What are universal precautions?

• A. Treat everyone as though contagious, and use appropriate barriers to stop transmission
• B. Only treat blood as contagious and use barriers in that case
• C. Universal precautions are optional in correctional facilities
• D. Do nothing at all

Answer: (A)

Universal precautions mean treating all blood and certain body fluids as if they could be contagious, and using protective barriers to prevent transmission. In a correctional setting, this approach is essential because you can’t know who might be carrying infections, and exposure to blood or body fluids can occur in many everyday tasks. By using protective gear like gloves, masks or eye protection when needed, gowns, and by practicing thorough hand hygiene, safe handling of sharps, and proper disposal of contaminated materials, you create a safety net that reduces the chance of spreading infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

This approach isn’t optional or limited to one situation; it applies to all interactions where blood or body fluids could be involved. It’s about universally applying safety measures to protect both staff and inmates.