Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What do standard precautions in healthcare involve?

1. Strict isolation

2. Chemical decontamination

3. Universal immunization

4. Barrier methods and environmental control

The correct answer is: Barrier methods and environmental control

The correct choice illustrates that standard precautions in healthcare encompass a range of practices designed to prevent the transmission of infections. Barrier methods, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, are essential for protecting both healthcare workers and patients from infection. Environmental control involves maintaining a clean and safe environment to minimize the risk of disease spread. While strict isolation is a component of more specific infection control practices, standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of their infection status, making barrier methods a fundamental aspect of routine care. Chemical decontamination is important in certain contexts but is not a universal practice under standard precautions. Universal immunization is beneficial for public health, but it does not fall under the scope of standard precautions, which focus on immediate safety measures in healthcare settings.