What term denotes the assumption that all blood and bodily fluids are infectious?

• A. Bloodborne Pathogens
• B. Standard Precautions
• C. Exposure Control Plan
• D. OSHA

Answer: (B)

The main idea is Standard Precautions, the infection control approach that treats all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious. This mindset is the best choice because it provides a broad, practical framework for protecting both healthcare workers and patients across diverse situations. By applying Standard Precautions, you use appropriate PPE, practice diligent hand hygiene, handle sharps safely, and clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment consistently, regardless of the patient’s diagnosis. This approach covers a wide range of pathogens, not just a single disease, and it underpins everyday care in EMS and clinical settings.

Bloodborne Pathogens refers specifically to diseases carried by blood, such as HIV or hepatitis, rather than a general practice for all fluids. An Exposure Control Plan is the written program that outlines how an organization will minimize exposure risk, not the assumption itself. OSHA is the regulatory body that sets and enforces safety standards.