Standard v/s Contact

[MEDICJOHN]

I seem to be missing alot of questions where there is the choice between "standard" vs "contact" precautions. Can someone help me clarify which is which and why they are different?

[luv2b_a_nurs]

Standard precautions (universal precautions) are what you do with ALL patients, ex. gloves when handling soiled linens or body fluids, etc. Contact precautions go one step further- like wearing a gown and gloves when contact with an infected wound, C-diff, impetigo, etc. Does that help?

[MEDICJOHN]

I think so. So, I guess, standard used w/ everyone even w/ no infectious process, but when infectious process if mentioned, use the precau applicable to that process. ??? I think it helps....ill let u know. Somehow I get confused when I know something is contact precautions, i figure standard works..which..it does... so then i confuse myself. If standard precautions works for a draining abscess, do i answer "standard' or contact?? see what I mean?

[luv2b_a_nurs]

I think so. So, I guess, standard used w/ everyone even w/ no infectious process, but when infectious process if mentioned, use the precau applicable to that process. ??? I think it helps....ill let u know. Somehow I get confused when I know something is contact precautions, i figure standard works..which..it does... so then i confuse myself. If standard precautions works for a draining abscess, do i answer "standard' or contact?? see what I mean?

That's right, pretty much. Except if you are expected to be in contact with a draining abcess or infection it will most likely require contact precautions, such as a gown in addition to the gloves. Think about it this way- you don't want to get any of that infection on your clothes and transfer it to another pt. So you gown! Contact precautions are if there is a possibility that you will be in "contact" with something that could potentially infect someone else.

[MEDICJOHN]

ok, thats better.... r u an educator?

[luv2b_a_nurs]

Lol...no, I just finished my ADN program and took boards yesterday!

[MEDICJOHN]

oh, mine are 3 weeks from now! eek!!!!

[sb3709]

the way i think of it is that standard is for body fluids and contact is for skin to skin as well as bodily fluids of those with a communicable disease.