What are Standard Precautions designed to prevent?

Standard Precautions are essential infection control practices designed to prevent the transmission of diseases that may occur through direct or indirect contact with blood and other bodily fluids. This approach is crucial in settings such as healthcare and body art where individuals may be exposed to these fluids, thereby minimizing the risk of infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

By implementing Standard Precautions, practitioners use techniques such as wearing gloves, using masks, and employing proper disposal methods for needles and other sharp objects. These measures are based on the understanding that all blood and bodily fluids should be treated as potentially infectious, regardless of the known status of the individual.

While the other options address important safety and health concerns, they do not specifically target the main intent of Standard Precautions, which is primarily focused on the prevention of disease transmission from blood and bodily fluids.