Final answer:
Standard precautions should be applied when providing care for all patients to prevent the spread of infections, which include practices like thorough hand washing, use of PPE, and careful disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Standard precautions are to be issued when providing personal care to all patients, regardless of their infection status. This approach to infection control is guided by the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents.
Implementing standard precautions involves a range of strategies, including hand washing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection practices, among others. It is crucial for reducing the risk of transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. In the scenario provided, adherence to these precautions, particularly stringent hand hygiene, and proper disinfection procedures, ensures that healthcare professionals minimize the risk of spreading infections while caring for isolated patients like Marisa.
Hand washing is especially effective in preventing the spread of diseases because it physically removes pathogens from the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hand washing for at least 20 seconds to effectively reduce the spread of disease. Other preventive measures against infectious diseases include public health education, vaccinations, and adopting behaviors such as covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing.