Standard precautions apply to which of the following?

Standard precautions are a set of guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents and protect both healthcare workers and patients. These precautions apply to all blood and body fluids, regardless of whether they are known to be infectious. This means that standard precautions are necessary not just for visible bodily fluids but also for any fluid that may potentially carry pathogens, including urine, saliva, and even respiratory secretions.

By applying standard precautions to all blood and body fluids, healthcare workers create a comprehensive approach to infection control. This practice emphasizes the importance of treating all patients as if they have a potentially transmissible infection, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring a safer healthcare environment.

The other choices limit the scope of precautions to specific types of pathogens or waste, which does not align with the comprehensive nature of standard precautions. Therefore, focusing on all blood and body fluids is essential for effective infection control.