Why must standard precautions be used with every resident?

The use of standard precautions with every resident is essential because individuals can carry infections that may not be apparent through visible symptoms. Many infections can be asymptomatic, meaning that residents might be contagious without displaying any signs of illness. By employing standard precautions universally, healthcare providers mitigate the risk of transmitting pathogens and ensure a safer environment for both residents and staff. This approach emphasizes the importance of treating every patient as if they could potentially be infectious, thereby protecting everyone involved in the care process.

Other perspectives, such as only using precautions when symptoms are present or assuming precautions are redundant if gloves are worn, overlook the fact that infections can exist without signs and that protective measures are comprehensive rather than situational. Additionally, limiting precautions to certain facilities undermines universal safety standards that are designed to promote health in all healthcare settings.