Final answer:
Standard precautions including the use of personal protective equipment and hand hygiene are essential when there's a possibility of contact with bodily fluids to prevent transmission of infections in healthcare settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, standard precautions should be used when there is a possibility of contact with bodily fluids. This is a critical practice in health care settings to prevent infection by illnesses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and others. Not only blood, but also other body fluids like semen and saliva can transmit infections, and even damaged skin can be a transmission gateway.
Health-care workers protect themselves and their patients by wearing gloves, face protection, and utilizing disposable syringes and needles. In the event of exposure, immediate washing of the exposed skin with soap and water is recommended, and post-exposure treatments like hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination may be necessary. The rigorous cleaning of equipment is also vital, with the CDC recommending a solution of 10% bleach to disinfect surfaces. Understandably, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective clothing, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves are essential for all health workers in contact with potentially infected patients or materials.
Furthermore, specific protocols, including hand hygiene practices and disinfection of equipment, are crucial for preventing hospital-acquired infections. Medical personnel should wash their hands both before and after patient contact, especially after contact with bodily fluids and after the removal of gloves. For surgeries, an even more involved process is necessary to reduce normal skin microbiota.