Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following is true of Transmission-Based Precautions?

1. An NA does not need to practice Standard Based Precautions if he practices Transmission Based Precautions

2. They are exactly the same as Standard Precautions

3. They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions

4. They will not be listed in the care plan so as not to alarm anyone

The correct answer is: They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions

Transmission-Based Precautions are indeed practiced in conjunction with Standard Precautions. This approach is essential as Standard Precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infection from person-to-person or through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment in general healthcare settings. When Transmission-Based Precautions are necessary, it typically indicates that a patient has a specific infectious disease that requires additional measures due to its mode of transmission, such as airborne, droplet, or contact transmission. Thus, implementing Transmission-Based Precautions adds an extra layer of protection and is crucial for safeguarding both healthcare workers and other patients. This ensures comprehensive infection control practices are in place, thereby reducing the risk of transmission in a healthcare environment. In this context, it is vital for caregivers to remember that while Transmission-Based Precautions provide extra protections, they do not replace the need for Standard Precautions, which serve as the foundation for all infection control practices in healthcare settings.