What is included in standard precautions for infection control?

Standard precautions for infection control are a set of practices designed to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings, including nursing homes. This comprehensive approach encompasses several key components, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene.

PPE includes items such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields that healthcare workers wear to protect themselves and patients from the risk of infection. Hand hygiene, which involves using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is crucial for reducing the presence of pathogens on the hands and limiting their spread in the healthcare environment.

Combining these two elements—PPE and hand hygiene—ensures that caregivers maintain a high level of safety and effectively prevent the transmission of infectious agents. This holistic view of infection control is what makes this option the correct answer, as it highlights the importance of both protective measures in maintaining a safe environment in a nursing home.