NCLEX Review Guide: Standard & Transmission-Based Precautions

Universal Application

• Standard precautions apply to ALL patients regardless of diagnosis or infection status, treating all body fluids (except sweat) as potentially infectious.
• Hand hygiene is the single most important intervention to prevent healthcare-associated infections and must be performed before and after every patient contact.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection depends on anticipated exposure: gloves for body fluid contact, masks/eye protection for splashes, gowns for extensive contact.

Contact Precautions

• Used for infections spread by direct contact with patient or contaminated surfaces, requiring gloves and gowns for all patient interactions.
• Examples include: MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, scabies, and multidrug-resistant organisms that survive on surfaces.

Droplet Precautions

• Required for pathogens transmitted through large respiratory droplets (>5 micrometers) that travel less than 3 feet from patient.
• Surgical mask required when within 3 feet of patient; examples include influenza, pertussis, pneumonic plague, and meningococcal disease.

Airborne Precautions

• Most restrictive precautions for airborne particles (<5 micrometers) that remain suspended and travel long distances through air currents.
• Requires negative pressure room with 6-12 air changes per hour and N95 respirator or PAPR for healthcare workers.