What is the primary premise of standard precautions in infection control?

The primary premise of standard precautions in infection control is that all body fluids are considered infectious. This approach ensures that healthcare workers treat every patient as if they may be carrying an infectious agent, regardless of their known health status. By operating under this assumption, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of infections.

This methodology is vital in various medical settings, as it compels the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and emphasizes hand hygiene, safe disposal of needles, and other protective measures. Such vigilance helps protect not only healthcare workers but also patients from potential cross-contamination and infection from asymptomatic carriers.

In contrast, the other options suggest limitations or misconceptions about infection control practices. For instance, only considering blood as a potential risk underestimates the infectious nature of other body fluids like saliva, urine, or respiratory secretions. Limiting standard precautions to hospital settings ignores their essential application in outpatient and emergency environments. Lastly, stating that only healthcare workers need to practice these precautions neglects the role of patients and visitors in potential infection transmission. Therefore, recognizing that all body fluids are infectious is crucial for effective infection control.