What is the universal precaution assumption?

• A. Only blood is potentially infectious
• B. All bodily fluids are harmless
• C. Some skin contact fluids are infectious
• D. All blood and certain bodily fluids are potentially infectious

Answer: (D)

Universal precautions are built on treating blood and certain bodily fluids as potentially infectious to minimize the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens. This approach means that any blood and the fluids identified as potentially infectious are handled with the same level of protection, regardless of a patient’s known status. That’s why the statement that all blood and certain bodily fluids are potentially infectious is the best answer: it captures the practical rule that guides protective measures like gloves, gowns, masks or eye protection, and safe handling of sharps.

Think of fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural, peritoneal, amniotic, and synovial fluids, as well as any fluid visibly contaminated with blood. These are the kinds of fluids healthcare workers are trained to treat as infectious and to protect against accordingly. The other options either underestimate the scope (only blood) or inappropriately claim fluids are harmless, which misses the safety standard that guards against transmission.