Final answer:
Standard precautions should be followed by healthcare workers in direct contact with patients to prevent infection transmission. These precautions include hand hygiene practices, the use of personal protective clothing and equipment, and disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Standard precautions should be followed by healthcare workers in direct contact with patients to prevent infection transmission. These precautions include hand hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly between every patient contact, after the removal of gloves, after contact with bodily fluids and potentially infectious fomites, and before and after assisting a surgeon with invasive procedures. Healthcare workers should also use personal protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves and face protection, and take appropriate measures to disinfect surfaces and equipment that may come into contact with the patient.