Which practice is critical in minimizing the risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

Using standard precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in minimizing the risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Standard precautions are infection control practices that assume that every patient’s blood and certain body fluids are potentially infectious. These practices include using barriers such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection whenever there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids.

By consistently applying standard precautions, healthcare workers protect themselves and their patients, regardless of the type of procedure or the patient's known health status. This comprehensive approach ensures that even in situations where the risk might not be immediately apparent, all necessary precautions are in place.

The other practices mentioned do not provide adequate protection. For instance, wearing gloves solely during surgery does not account for risks that may arise during other patient interactions or procedures. Avoiding patient contact entirely is impractical in many healthcare settings and does not align with the necessity of providing care. Using barriers only in emergencies means that workers may not be protected during routine tasks that also carry risk. Therefore, the use of standard precautions and PPE consistently is vital in safeguarding against bloodborne pathogen exposure.