What are standard precautions in a medical setting?

• A. Disinfecting tools regularly
• B. Using barriers to prevent infection transmission
• C. Wearing gloves at all times
• D. Only treating known infectious patients

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions in a medical setting refer to a set of practices designed to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare environments, regardless of the patient's infection status. The primary principle behind standard precautions is the use of barriers to prevent exposure to infectious agents. This includes measures such as the use of gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns when necessary, depending on the situation and the procedure being performed.

Using barriers to prevent infection transmission is essential because it safeguards healthcare providers and patients alike from potential pathogens present in blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. These precautions are applied universally, meaning they are to be followed for all patients without assuming any individual’s health status.

Other practices, while important, do not encompass the entirety of what standard precautions entail. For example, disinfecting tools regularly is a critical aspect of infection control, but it is part of a broader strategy that includes standard precautions rather than defining them. Wearing gloves at all times is not practical or necessary; gloves should be worn based on the risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials. Lastly, only treating known infectious patients contradicts the purpose of standard precautions, which apply to all patients to prevent the spread of infections regardless of their known health status.