Standard precautions include the use of what?

• A. Hand washing and PPE
• B. PPE only
• C. Hand washing only
• D. Plaster casts

Answer: (A)

Standard precautions require both hand hygiene and personal protective equipment because they work together to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents during every patient encounter. Hand washing or hand antisepsis removes transient microbes from the hands and is the most effective defense against spread via contact. PPE provides a barrier against exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, protecting mucous membranes, skin, and clothing during patient care. Used together, they cover the main routes of transmission in routine care.

Plaster casts are not part of infection control measures; they’re for immobilization and don’t protect against pathogen transmission. Hand washing alone is valuable but not always enough—PPE adds needed protection when exposure to fluids or splashes is possible.