What are universal or standard precautions designed to do?

Universal or standard precautions are specifically designed to reduce the chance of disease transmission in healthcare settings. These precautions are a set of guidelines that health professionals follow to protect themselves and their patients from infectious agents. By applying these measures, healthcare providers treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious, regardless of the perceived risk associated with a specific patient. This approach is crucial in minimizing the spread of pathogens and ensuring a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

While the other options may seem relevant in some contexts, they do not accurately reflect the purpose of universal precautions. Eliminating all diseases is unrealistic in a healthcare setting, as numerous diseases are present in various forms and cannot be completely eradicated. Providing remedies for illnesses pertains to treatment rather than prevention. Ensuring nutritional balance focuses on dietary needs rather than infection control, which is outside the scope of universal precautions. Therefore, the emphasis on reducing disease transmission is the correct focus of universal or standard precautions.