What is meant by universal precautions?

Universal precautions refer to an approach in healthcare and other settings that assumes all blood and certain bodily fluids are potentially infectious to help prevent the transmission of communicable diseases. This principle is foundational for maintaining a safe environment for both healthcare providers and patients, as it establishes a standard of caution that minimizes the risk of exposure to pathogens.

By treating all blood and bodily fluids as if they are infectious, universal precautions guide the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, and underscore the importance of proper hygiene practices. This approach is crucial, especially in settings where it might not be immediately clear whether an individual carries an infectious disease, thereby providing a proactive method to safeguard health.

The other options lack the comprehensive nature of universal precautions, focusing instead on specific actions rather than adopting an overarching strategy aimed at treating all potentially infectious materials with equal caution.