What do universal precautions refer to in a healthcare setting?

Universal precautions refer to the practice of treating all human blood and body fluids as if they are potentially infectious, regardless of the known status of an individual. This principle is fundamental in reducing the risk of spreading infections in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. By assuming that blood and other bodily fluids could harbor pathogens, healthcare workers can adopt necessary measures—such as using gloves, masks, and protective clothing—to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. This approach is crucial in maintaining safety for both patients and healthcare professionals, ensuring that every precaution is taken to minimize the risk of contamination and infection.

The other options do not accurately describe universal precautions. For instance, the option about using only certified medical devices pertains more to device safety and regulatory compliance rather than infection control. The concept of implementing treatments with the highest costs is unrelated to the principles of infection prevention and may not be feasible or ethical in a healthcare setting. Lastly, ensuring all patients receive the same care does not take into account the individual medical needs and circumstances of different patients, which is not the essence of universal precautions.