Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What system is designed to keep clients and therapists safe from bloodborne diseases?

1. Hygiene protocol

2. Infection control

3. Universal precaution

4. Antimicrobial protection

The correct answer is: Universal precaution

The correct answer is Universal precaution. This system is fundamentally important in both healthcare and massage therapy as it establishes guidelines that treat all bodily fluids from clients as potentially infectious, regardless of the client's known health status. The purpose of universal precautions is to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, thereby protecting both clients and therapists. The approach involves a variety of practices, including the consistent use of gloves, proper hand hygiene, safe handling and disposal of instruments, and maintaining a clean environment. By adhering to these practices, therapists can significantly reduce the chances of transmission of infections during treatments, prioritizing safety in the therapeutic setting. The other options, while related to safety and hygienic practices in therapy, do not specifically address the comprehensive approach that universal precautions represent in the context of bloodborne diseases. Hygiene protocols cover general cleanliness and sanitation measures, infection control encompasses broader strategies to prevent the spread of infections, and antimicrobial protection refers to the use of substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, but does not necessarily encompass the comprehensive guidelines outlined by universal precautions.