Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What best describes the term "universal precautions"?

1. Only wearing gloves when necessary

2. The use of comprehensive infection control procedures including necessary personal protective equipment, sharps management and contaminated equipment management

3. A policy that only applies to hospital environments

4. Minimal precaution measures in health care settings

The correct answer is: The use of comprehensive infection control procedures including necessary personal protective equipment, sharps management and contaminated equipment management

The concept of "universal precautions" is grounded in the principle of treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they were infectious. This approach is critical to preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and reinforces the need for comprehensive infection control measures in various settings, especially in healthcare environments. The correct answer emphasizes the use of comprehensive procedures, which extend beyond simply wearing gloves. It includes the use of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, and eye protection, as well as proper sharps management to minimize the risk of injury and exposure to contaminated needles and other sharps. Additionally, it encompasses the appropriate handling of contaminated equipment to prevent environmental contamination and protect staff, patients, and visitors. In contrast, wearing gloves only when necessary does not fully address the broader scope of safety protocols that aim to minimize infection risks. Similarly, stating that universal precautions are limited to hospital environments ignores the fact that these precautions are applicable in any setting where there may be exposure to blood or bodily fluids, not just hospitals. Lastly, minimal precaution measures would not be sufficient to ensure the highest level of safety against potential infections, which is why a comprehensive approach is vital.