Which of the following is included in standard precautions?

The concept of standard precautions is integral to infection control practices in healthcare settings, designed to prevent the transmission of diseases in various situations, particularly those that may involve blood or other bodily fluids. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is a key component of these precautions, as it provides a barrier between the healthcare provider and potential pathogens.

PPE includes items such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, which help protect both the caregiver and the patient from infections, regardless of the patient’s known infection status. This is essential for ensuring safety in environments where exposure to infectious agents can occur.

In contrast, while wearing a face mask at all times may be advisable in certain high-risk situations, it is not universally required under standard precautions. Additionally, inquiring about a victim's communicable diseases or checking their medical records may be important steps in certain contexts, but these actions are not part of the established standard precautions framework. Instead, standard precautions emphasize universal safety measures that do not rely on knowledge of a person's health status.