Which of the following is a key component of the CDC's standard precautions?

The key component of the CDC's standard precautions is respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette because it addresses the prevention of the transmission of infections that can occur through respiratory droplets. This practice involves instructing patients and healthcare workers to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or the elbow during coughing or sneezing, as well as wearing masks when necessary. This is critical for protecting both healthcare providers and other patients from airborne pathogens, especially in settings where individuals may be in close proximity.

While hand washing is certainly an essential practice in infection control, it is not the primary focus of the standard precautions in the context provided. Maintaining a sterile field is crucial for specific procedures but doesn't encompass the broader scope of standard precautions, which aim to reduce the risk of transmission from recognized and unrecognized sources. Similarly, quarantine procedures are important for controlling outbreaks but are not a component of standard precautions applied in routine healthcare situations.