Which of the following statements is true about standard precautions?

Standard precautions are an essential set of practices used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections. The statement that these precautions are necessary for all patient interactions is correct because they are designed to be applied universally, regardless of the patient's symptoms or diagnosis. This means that healthcare personnel must consistently use standard precautions with all patients to effectively safeguard against the risk of infection.

These precautions include practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, safe injection practices, and proper handling of potentially contaminated materials. By using these measures routinely, healthcare workers can create a safer environment for themselves and their patients, which is crucial in managing infection risks across all healthcare settings, not just those that are symptomatic or surgical.

In contrast, the other statements are inaccurate. Standard precautions are not limited to symptomatic patients, nor do they eliminate the need for personal protective equipment. Also, they are applicable in all healthcare contexts and not restricted to surgical settings only.