Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Under Standard Precautions, which of the following is included in the term bodily fluids?

1. A. Sweat

2. B. Water

3. C. Juice

4. D. Urine

The correct answer is: D. Urine

The term "bodily fluids" under Standard Precautions refers to any liquid that can potentially transmit infections. This includes bodily secretions and excretions that may contain pathogens. Urine is considered a bodily fluid because it is produced by the kidneys and can contain bacteria or viral particles, particularly in cases of infections. Standard Precautions are designed to minimize the risk of transmission of infections in healthcare settings, and understanding what constitutes bodily fluids is essential for the practice of safe and effective infection control. By recognizing urine as a potentially infectious bodily fluid, healthcare workers can implement appropriate hygiene measures while handling it, such as wearing gloves and practicing hand hygiene after any contact. In contrast, substances like sweat, water, and juice do not typically carry a risk of transmitting infections in the same way. Sweat, for instance, is not considered a vector for most pathogens in standard infection control practices. Similarly, water and juice are not bodily fluids and would not contain infectious agents in the context of Standard Precautions. This clarification on urine being classified as a bodily fluid emphasizes the importance of comprehensive awareness in infection prevention within healthcare environments.