What is a common characteristic of caring for patients under HIV precautions?

Caring for patients under HIV precautions primarily requires the implementation of standard precautions, which are essential practices that prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, and the safe handling of needles and other sharp instruments. These measures are necessary because they provide a universal approach to preventing the spread of infections, including HIV, and are designed to protect both patients and healthcare workers.

While extra cleaning of surfaces may be part of infection control measures, it is not specific to HIV and more about general sanitation practices. Specialized training may refer to handling specific medical equipment or conditions but is not typically required specifically for HIV precautions beyond understanding standard precautions. Additionally, while surgical masks may be necessary in certain situations, they are not always required for all interactions with patients living with HIV, as the main transmission routes for HIV do not involve respiratory droplets. Thus, understanding and applying standard precautions is the cornerstone of caring for patients under HIV precautions.