What are universal precautions designed to prevent?

Universal precautions are a set of guidelines designed specifically to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents in healthcare settings. Understanding this concept is crucial for maintaining the safety of both healthcare workers and patients.

The correct answer highlights the importance of protecting against the spread of infections. By implementing universal precautions, healthcare workers are trained to treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious, regardless of the perceived risk level associated with a particular patient. This approach ensures that healthcare workers use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), practice correct hand hygiene, and follow specific protocols to prevent the accidental transfer of infections.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of healthcare that universal precautions are not primarily designed to manage. Options related to workplace injuries or medical errors reflect areas of concern in healthcare but do not specifically align with the fundamental purpose of universal precautions, which is focused on infection control. Thus, the emphasis on preventing the transfer of infections is what distinctly defines the intent and application of universal precautions in healthcare settings.