Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which regulation states that blood and body fluids should be considered infectious?

1. Postexposure Prophylaxis

2. Medical Device Safety Act

3. Standard Precautions

4. Body Substance Isolation Rules

The correct answer is: Standard Precautions

The correct answer is Standard Precautions, which is a crucial concept in infection control within healthcare settings. This regulation emphasizes that all blood and body fluids, regardless of the perceived infectious status of the patient, should be treated as potentially infectious. This approach is designed to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious agents when providing care to patients. Standard Precautions incorporate practices such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and gowns, along with proper hand hygiene. By following these guidelines, healthcare workers can protect themselves and others from cross-contamination and the spread of infections. In contrast to other choices, such as Postexposure Prophylaxis, which specifically deals with interventions after exposure to infectious materials, or the Medical Device Safety Act, which pertains to the regulation of medical devices, Standard Precautions serve as a foundational principle for all patient interactions. Body Substance Isolation Rules, while similar, were an earlier framework that has largely been incorporated into the broader and more encompassing set of guidelines provided in Standard Precautions.