Final answer:
In emergency situations, Universal Precautions should still be used to reduce the risk of infection, as they are critical in preventing the transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with potentially infectious materials. The correct option is 1) Yes, Universal Precautions should still be used to minimize the risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an emergency situation, Universal Precautions should still be used to minimize the risk of infection. Universal Precautions are a set of infection control practices that healthcare workers use to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
These precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, or protective eyewear, which can reduce the risk of exposure of the healthcare worker to potentially infectious materials.
Additionally, Universal Precautions include actions such as hand washing, which is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Marisa's situation described in the question highlights the importance of isolation and rigorous hygiene practices to prevent surface and equipment contamination.
Emergencies do not negate the need for precautions; they underscore the necessity of maintaining these protocols to protect both healthcare workers and patients from potential infections.
Moreover, history has taught us through figures like Semmelweis the significance of hand hygiene in preventing disease transmission.
Therefore, Option 1 is correct: Yes, Universal Precautions should still be used to minimize the risk of infection. The correct option is 1) Yes, Universal Precautions should still be used to minimize the risk of infection.