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Standard Precautions — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Use on ALL patients, all body fluids

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Safety & Infection Control 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Standard Precautions on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Do

Nursing actions

Hand hygiene before/after each contact
Gloves for blood/body fluids/mucosa
Gown/mask/goggles if splash risk

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Rule

Key facts

Treat ALL fluids as infectious
Applies regardless of diagnosis

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Do

Nursing actions

No recap needles; sharps box at bedside
Respiratory etiquette, cover cough

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Avoid

Key facts

Never reuse single-use gloves

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Quick Tip

Apply to all patients regardless of known infection status; they are the foundation under all transmission-based precautions.

📖 Related Topics

Group B Streptococcus Lead Poisoning Child Abuse Recognition Car Seat Safety

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