Overview
The Baseline Begins Before Contact
Routine Practices are the infection prevention measures used with every client, in every setting, whether infection is known, suspected, or not yet considered.
Routine Practices are the infection-prevention measures used with every client, in every setting, whether infection is known, suspected, or not yet considered. They rest on a practical assumption: blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible organisms. The first action is a point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA). Complete it before every client interaction, not only at the start of a shift. Look at three things: - The client: Is there coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever with rash, drainage, incontinence, confusion, or inability to manage secretions? - The task: Could it involve blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, splashing, or an aseptic procedure? - The environment: Is there shared equipment, poor access to hand hygiene, contaminated surfaces, crowding, or a need for client placement away from others? A diagnosis does not select PPE. Anticipated exposure does. A client without a documented infection may still cough forcefully during suctioning, have uncontrolled wound drainage, or develop diarrhea while waiting for test results. The PCRA identifies the hazard early enough to prevent an exposure. Routine Practices are not replaced by...