Which of the following is considered a standard precaution in infection control?

Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is a fundamental practice in infection control. This standard precaution helps to reduce the transmission of pathogens between healthcare providers and patients. Proper handwashing significantly decreases the risk of spreading infections, as hands can easily harbor bacteria and viruses. By washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, healthcare providers can protect themselves and their patients from potential infections.

The other practices mentioned, while related to infection control, do not embody the broad principles of standard precautions as effectively. Wearing gloves selectively when dealing with known infections can lead to lapses in practice, as not all infections are known or visible. Sterilizing instruments is essential, but it is typically applied in specific situations rather than being a universal standard precaution like hand hygiene. Lastly, wearing a mask in every patient interaction may not be necessary and could lead to waste of resources and discomfort if the patient is not at risk. Hence, hand hygiene stands out as a vital and universally applicable measure in infection prevention.