What do standard precautions include?

Standard precautions are critical practices used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections. They encompass a set of guidelines aimed at protecting both healthcare workers and patients from potentially infectious materials. Wearing gloves if there is a risk of blood contact is a key component of these precautions. This practice helps to create a barrier between the caregiver and any pathogens that may be present, thus reducing the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

The correct answer highlights the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in situations where exposure to blood or other potentially infectious substances could occur. By wearing gloves, a direct care worker actively minimizes their risk of infection as well as protects the health and safety of those they care for.

The other choices do not directly encapsulate the essence of standard precautions. While washing hands before eating is a good hygiene practice, it is not specific to the context of healthcare or infection control. The use of disposable items can be part of infection control procedures but is not a universal standard; not all items in a healthcare setting must be disposable. Avoiding contact with sick individuals is a general health guideline rather than a specific standard precaution, which focuses on practices that must be implemented regardless of the patient's perceived health status.