Standard/Universal Precautions
Handwashing
- Best way to prevent infection
- Wash hands before and after client care.
- Wash hands before and after removing gloves.
- If your hands are visibly contaminated with bodily fluids wash them.
Wear gloves
- Contact with bodily fluid is likely (blood, broken skin, secretions).
- Contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Change gloves between procedures on the same client if moving from a contaminated area to a clean area (example, pericare to changing a dressing)
Wear a gown
- When there is a possibility clothing will come in contact with bodily fluids. Never reuse gowns.
Other Precautions
- Place linen in leak-proof bags
- Discard needles in puncture sharps containers.
- Do not bend or recap needles.
- Discard contaminated items with bodily fluids in biohazard containers.
- Place clients who pose a risk to other clients in a private room (example, a client that coughs excessively). See isolation protocols.