What is the primary reason for using standard precautions with every patient, regardless of diagnosis?

Question

Accepted Answer

Because you cannot always know a patient's infection status. Standard precautions are used with every patient because you cannot always know a patient's infection status or if they are carrying pathogens. Some patients may be asymptomatic carriers or undiagnosed. Using standard precautions universally is more effective than trying to identify which patients need protection. It protects against all potential pathogens, not just bloodborne ones.