A person you support fell on the sidewalk and scraped his knee. Are you required to use universal precautions?

Using universal precautions is essential when providing support to individuals, especially in situations like a scraped knee. Universal precautions are guidelines designed to protect both the healthcare provider and the individual from potential exposure to infections and bloodborne pathogens. When a person sustains a scrape or any injury that breaks the skin, there is a risk of blood exposure and transmission of infectious diseases.

Applying universal precautions involves practices such as wearing gloves when dealing with open wounds, ensuring proper hand hygiene before and after providing care, and safely disposing of any materials that may come into contact with blood or bodily fluids. This approach helps minimize health risks and promotes a safe environment for both the person being supported and the caregiver. Therefore, in the scenario described, the correct approach is indeed to use universal precautions to ensure safety and health compliance.