Public Health Nursing Practice Exam 2026 – The Complete Guide to Master Your Certification!

The adoption of universal precautions by healthcare workers is primarily a strategy aimed at preventing the transmission of infectious diseases in healthcare settings, which aligns closely with primary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on creating conditions that minimize the risk of disease before it occurs.

Universal precautions include measures such as hand hygiene, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps, all designed to prevent infections from spreading, particularly in environments where individuals may be exposed to blood or body fluids. By implementing these practices, healthcare workers work to prevent the onset of disease transmission and protect both themselves and their patients from potential infections, thereby addressing the health risk before it manifests.

This proactive approach is critical in public health, as it not only safeguards the health of individuals, but also contributes to wider community health by curbing outbreaks of infectious diseases.