What is the primary goal of standard precautions in healthcare settings?

The primary goal of standard precautions in healthcare settings is to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents. Standard precautions are guidelines that are designed to minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. This includes practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper handling and disposal of sharps and waste.

By implementing these precautions, healthcare facilities can create a safer environment for healthcare providers, thereby reducing the risk of occupational exposure to infections. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy workforce, which ultimately benefits patient care. The focus on protecting staff is also a proactive measure to control the spread of infections within healthcare facilities and in the community.

Other options, such as isolating patients with infections, reducing healthcare costs, or improving patient satisfaction, may be relevant to the overall function of a healthcare facility, but they are not the primary focus of standard precautions. The main objective centers on safeguarding the health and safety of healthcare workers.