What is the key focus of standard precautions?

The key focus of standard precautions is to prevent infection transmission in healthcare settings. This set of guidelines is designed to protect both healthcare workers and patients by minimizing the risk of spreading infections. Standard precautions include practices such as wearing gloves, masks, and gowns when necessary, proper hand hygiene, and safe disposal of sharps. These measures are fundamental to maintaining a safe environment and ensuring that the healthcare system is protected from outbreaks of infectious diseases.

By focusing on preventing infection transmission, standard precautions help in creating a control mechanism that safeguards both the health of patients and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. The other choices, while important in their own right, do not align closely with the primary purpose of standard precautions, which is centered around infection control. Reducing patient anxiety, monitoring medication side effects, and enhancing marketing strategies do not directly address the overarching goal of maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections.