What do universal precautions mean?

• A. Wash hands before every task.
• B. Keep all surfaces dry at all times.
• C. Assume all people are free of infections.
• D. Treat blood/body fluids as infectious.

Answer: (D)

Universal precautions mean treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and taking protective steps to prevent transmission. This approach requires using appropriate barriers like gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is possible, performing hand hygiene before and after any patient contact, and safely disposing of contaminated materials and sharps. It also includes cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment that may be contaminated and following safe injection and other procedures to minimize risk for everyone, regardless of whether an infection is known. The idea is to apply consistent safety measures in every situation.