What are universal precautions primarily aimed at preventing?

Universal precautions are primarily aimed at preventing infections through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. This practice is essential in healthcare settings to protect both healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. By treating all blood and certain bodily fluids as potentially infectious, healthcare providers can take necessary precautions, such as wearing gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of infection transmission. This approach is critical in maintaining safety and health standards in clinical environments, thereby helping to ensure effective patient care.