What best describes the standard precautions framework?

• A. Treat every patient as potentially infectious and apply PPE, hand hygiene, and safe handling.
• B. Only use PPE for known infections.
• C. Focus solely on airborne pathogens.
• D. Hand hygiene is optional if gloves are worn.

Answer: (A)

Standard precautions are the baseline way clinicians protect patients and themselves from infection in every encounter. The central idea is to treat each patient as potentially infectious and to use protective measures consistently: practice thorough hand hygiene before and after contact, wear the appropriate PPE for the task at hand, and safely handle needles, sharps, and all patient-care equipment to prevent splash or contact with bodily fluids. This framework isn’t limited to infections that are already known; PPE is chosen based on the expected exposure, not on a diagnosis. It also covers more than just airborne threats, including procedures that involve contact or droplets, with measures like gloves, gowns, masks, or eye protection as needed. Importantly, hand hygiene remains essential even when gloves are worn, and gloves do not replace the need to clean hands before and after patient care.