What protective measures have been developed by the CDC for dealing with potential exposure to communicable diseases?

The correct answer is C, Standard Precautions, which are a set of practices designed to minimize the risk of transmission of communicable diseases, particularly in a healthcare setting. Standard Precautions combine the previously used "Universal Precautions" and "Body Substance Isolation," creating an approach that treats all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious. These precautions include hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps, and proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment.

Incorporating Standard Precautions provides a comprehensive framework that healthcare providers must follow, which is crucial for preventing the spread of infections not only from patients with known communicable diseases but also from those who may be asymptomatic. This approach is vital for the safety of both healthcare workers and patients, promoting a safer healthcare environment.

The other choices, while relevant to infection control, do not specifically capture the broad and inclusive nature of the protective measures set by the CDC in the same way as Standard Precautions do. For example, Infection Control Guidelines may refer to a variety of protocols and practices but do not encapsulate the comprehensive approach that Standard Precautions represent. Similarly, Standard Practices and Healthcare Safety Protocols could imply general safety measures but lack the specificity and detail of