Which of the following is an approach to infection control in health care settings?

The correct answer is the approach identified as standard precautions. This set of guidelines is designed to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents in healthcare settings. Standard precautions incorporate a variety of measures that healthcare providers must take to protect both themselves and patients from infections. These measures include proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, and appropriately handling contaminated surfaces and materials.

While universal precautions is an earlier term closely related to standard precautions, it specifically referred to practices focused primarily on blood and certain body fluids known to transmit HIV, HBV, and other pathogens. Standard precautions, however, are broader and apply to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infectious status.

The option referring to universal health care does not relate to infection control but instead addresses a health policy framework aimed at ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary health services without financial hardship. Thus, while the other choices may touch on health-related themes, they do not represent comprehensive infection control measures as standard precautions do.