A nurse is teaching a new graduate nurse about standard precautions. Which statement by the new graduate nurse indicates an understanding of standard precautions?

Question: A nurse is teaching a new graduate nurse about standard precautions. Which statement by the new graduate nurse indicates an understanding of standard precautions?

Answer options:

• 'I only need to wear gloves when I anticipate contact with blood or body fluids.'
• 'I should wear a mask at all times when providing direct client care.' ✅ 'Standard precautions include hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment as needed.'
• 'Gowns are only necessary when caring for clients on contact precautions.'

Correct answer: 'Standard precautions include hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment as needed.'

Explanation: Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices that apply to all clients, encompassing proper hand hygiene and the appropriate use of PPE (gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection) when anticipating contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes.