What are universal precautions?

Universal precautions refer to guidelines established to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases. These precautions emphasize treating all blood and certain body fluids as if they are infectious, thereby minimizing the risk of exposure to potentially hazardous materials.

In practice, this means that healthcare workers, including home health aides, should always use appropriate protective equipment, like gloves and masks, when handling blood or bodily fluids, and practice proper hand hygiene to protect both themselves and their clients. By adopting these precautions universally, healthcare providers can help ensure a safer environment and reduce the likelihood of disease transmission, which is crucial in maintaining public health.

The other options do not pertain to the primary focus of universal precautions, which is specifically related to the prevention of infection.