Question

the nurse educator on a hospital unit has posted reminders about the appropriate use of standard precautions when providing client care. what guideline should the nurses follow when determining the appropriate application of standard precautions? standard precautions should be used when caring for clients who have received antibiotics in the previous six months. standard precautions should be used with all clients, regardless of infection status. standard precautions should be used with all clients who are age 65 or older. standard precautions should be applied to the care of clients who display signs or symptoms of an active infection.

Explanation:

Standard precautions are a set of infection - control practices designed to prevent the transmission of diseases. They are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non - intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain infectious agents. Therefore, they should be used for all clients, regardless of their perceived infection status.

• Option 1: Antibiotic use in the previous six months is not a criterion for standard precautions. Standard precautions are not related to recent antibiotic use.
• Option 2: This is correct. Standard precautions are universal and apply to all clients.
• Option 3: Age (65 or older) is not a determinant for standard precautions. Standard precautions are not age - specific.
• Option 4: Standard precautions are not only for clients with active infections. They are for all clients as a preventive measure.

Answer:

Standard precautions should be used with all clients, regardless of infection status.