Final answer:
Standard precautions should be used routinely in the care of all clients, not just when an infection is present or during specific procedures. This includes practices such as proper hand hygiene and aseptic technique to prevent infection and ensure safety for both patients and healthcare workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Standard precautions are implemented in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infection and to ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. These precautions should be used routinely in the care of all clients, regardless of the presence or absence of known infections. This universal approach is crucial as it helps to minimize the risks of transmitting infectious agents.
Standard precautions include a range of infection control measures such as proper handwashing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, and appropriate handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces. For example, meticulous hand hygiene is a cornerstone of standard precautions because hands can transmit pathogens from one patient to another or to oneself.
In the context of Marisa's treatment, hospital staff were advised to follow strict protocols that are part of standard precautions to avoid contamination. Similarly, aseptic technique is another aspect of standard precautions that must be employed during medical procedures to ensure a sterile field, thereby preventing sepsis and other related complications.