Which statement best describes universal precautions in exposure prevention?

• A. Use gloves only with known infected
• B. Treat everyone as if they are infected
• C. Handle all waste without gloves
• D. Wear a mask at all times

Answer: (B)

Universal precautions mean protecting yourself by assuming that any blood or bodily fluids could be infectious. The best statement is to treat everyone as if they are infected, because that mindset drives you to wear protective barriers—gloves, masks or eye protection, gowns—any time you might touch blood or bodily fluids, regardless of what you know about the person. This approach helps prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV in everyday court work where injuries or body fluids may be encountered. The other options fall short because protection isn’t limited to known infections, waste handling can’t skip gloves, and wearing a mask at all times isn’t a universal requirement for all situations.