Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A nurse is assigned care of a patient who has HIV. Which of the following infection control precautions should the nurse plan to use while caring for this patient?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Standard precautions. Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control that should be used for all patients, regardless of their diagnosis. This includes practices such as hand hygiene, wearing gloves, masks, and gowns when appropriate, and safely handling and disposing of contaminated materials. Since HIV is not transmitted through the air, droplets, or direct contact, airborne, droplet, and contact precautions are not necessary. Using standard precautions ensures the nurse is protected from potential exposure to HIV and other infectious agents.