What is a core principle of standard precautions in patient care?

• A. They apply only during surgeries
• B. They apply to all patient care activities to reduce transmission risk
• C. They replace hand hygiene
• D. They require patients to wear masks at all times

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions are universal infection-control practices used with every patient, across all care activities, to lower the chance of transmitting infections. They emphasize consistent actions like performing hand hygiene before and after contact, using appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, masks) as needed, safe handling and disposal of sharps, and proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces. Because these measures are applied in every encounter, they aren’t limited to surgeries, they don’t replace hand hygiene, and they don’t require patients to wear masks at all times. The focus is on reducing transmission risk in all patient care situations.