Universal precautions consider which fluids potentially infectious?

• A. All blood and certain bodily fluids
• B. Only urine
• C. Only synovial fluid
• D. Saliva only

Answer: (A)

Universal precautions aim to prevent transmission of infections by treating blood and other body fluids that may carry pathogens as potentially infectious. Since bloodborne pathogens like HIV, HBV, and HCV can be present in blood and in various fluids, the standard approach is to handle all blood and the fluids that can contain blood with the same protective measures, regardless of the patient’s known status. That’s why the phrase “all blood and certain bodily fluids” best captures the scope of universal precautions. It isn’t limited to urine, a single fluid like synovial fluid, or to saliva alone, because those fluids may be involved in exposure risk when they can be contaminated with blood or otherwise carry infectious material.