Which statement best describes universal precautions?

• A. Protect caregivers/others from infectious diseases.
• B. Protect the aircraft from ash.
• C. Ensure the cabin remains pressurized.
• D. Prevent turbulence during flight.

Answer: (A)

Universal precautions are safety practices that minimize the risk of spreading infections by treating all blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious and by using protective barriers. This best describes protecting caregivers and others from infectious diseases, because the aim is to prevent transmission during care or handling of potentially contaminated materials. In practice, this means wearing gloves, masks or eye protection when needed, gowns, performing proper hand hygiene, and safe handling/disposal of sharps. It isn’t about protecting the aircraft from ash, keeping the cabin pressurized, or preventing turbulence—these are aviation safety concerns, not infection-control measures.