What is the purpose of standard precautions in infection control?

• A. To prevent visitors from entering the facility
• B. To reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents from all residents, regardless of status.
• C. To monitor residents for signs of infection only if symptomatic
• D. To replace the need for hand hygiene

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions are the baseline infection control measures used with every resident to prevent the spread of infections. They treat all blood, body fluids, non‑intact skin, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious, so precautions are applied consistently regardless of whether an infection is known or suspected. This universal approach reduces the risk of transmitting infectious agents from any resident to others, including those who appear healthy. Practices include hand hygiene before and after resident contact, using gloves and other PPE when exposure to bodily fluids is possible, safe handling and disposal of sharps, safe injection practices, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment. It’s not about restricting visitors, nor about monitoring only when symptoms are present, and it does not replace the importance of hand hygiene.