Final answer:
Standard Precautions must be used by NAs with all patients. This includes wearing protective clothing, handwashing, and proper sterilization of contaminated materials. These measures help prevent pathogen transmission and protect healthcare workers and patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
An NA, or nursing assistant, should use Standard Precautions with all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. Standard Precautions include a group of infection prevention practices that apply to all patients, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status, in any setting in which healthcare is delivered. These precautions are designed to minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens and protect both healthcare workers and patients from infection.
When handling potentially infected materials or coming into contact with patients, healthcare professionals, including NAs, should wear protective clothing, which may include a protective coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves. After any contact with potentially contaminated skin, the area must be washed with detergent and warm water, and then with 1 N NaOH or a diluted bleach solution to further reduce the risk of infection. All contaminated waste should be disposed of properly through incineration or autoclaving, and instruments must be thoroughly cleaned.
Handwashing is a cornerstone of Standard Precautions and is critical in preventing the spread of infections. Healthcare professionals should practice stringent hand hygiene, as outlined by the CDC, which includes a five-step process to ensure that hands are properly cleaned, reducing the risk of illness transmission.