Which statement best describes the difference between standard precautions and transmission-based precautions?

• A. Standard precautions apply to all patients.
• B. Standard precautions apply to all patients; transmission-based precautions apply to patients with suspected or confirmed infections and are used in addition to standard.
• C. Standard precautions are no longer used.
• D. Transmission-based precautions replace standard precautions.

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions are the baseline safety measures used with every patient to prevent exposure to blood, body fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes. They include practices like hand hygiene and using gloves or gowns when exposure risk exists, safe injection practices, and proper cleaning of equipment and surfaces. Transmission-based precautions are added on top of these for patients with suspected or confirmed infections, and they vary depending on how the infection spreads (airborne, droplet, or contact). So, standard precautions apply to all patients, and transmission-based precautions are additional measures used for specific infections.