In which scenario would a sleep technician most likely apply universal precautions?

Universal precautions are critical practices that healthcare providers use to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and reduce the risk of infection. The primary focus of these precautions is to treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious, especially in contexts where exposure to such fluids may occur.

When handling linens from an HIV patient, the sleep technician would most likely apply universal precautions because there is a potential risk of coming into contact with blood or other body fluids that could be infectious. This includes using gloves and ensuring that any linens potentially exposed to bodily fluids are handled and disposed of safely to minimize the risk of transmission of infections, including HIV.

The other scenarios do not typically involve the same level of risk for exposure to infectious agents. While cleaning equipment does require proper infection control protocols, it does not specifically invoke the same level of precaution as directly handling materials from a known HIV patient. Monitoring vital signs is a routine procedure that usually does not involve direct contact with blood or other infectious materials. Similarly, adjusting sleep therapy devices typically does not involve any exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids. Therefore, the scenario involving linens from an HIV patient clearly aligns with the practice of applying universal precautions.