Standard precautions require barriers to be used when there is anticipated contact with which of the following?

Standard precautions are essential practices in healthcare to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. These precautions are particularly focused on reducing the risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes, as these are the primary sources of many pathogens that can be transmitted during patient interactions.

Using barriers, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, is crucial when there is anticipated contact with these bodily fluids or tissues. This approach is designed to protect both healthcare providers and patients by minimizing the risk of infection.

In this context, the focus is on the direct exposure to potentially infectious materials, making it necessary to apply protective measures whenever such contact may occur. Other categories, like airborne pathogens or the handling of food and beverages, have different protocols and do not require the same level of barrier precautions as blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes do. Thus, the emphasis on protecting against exposure to blood and bodily fluids is a core principle of standard precautions, reinforcing the importance of using barriers in those situations.