Which of the following best describes documents that are considered "standards"?

The option that best describes documents considered "standards" is that they typically utilize the term "should." Standards are generally frameworks or guidelines established to promote consistency, quality, and safety within a certain industry or practice. The use of "should" in these documents indicates a recommendation rather than an obligation, allowing for some degree of flexibility in how the guideline is applied.

While some standards can become mandatory through regulations or adoption by governing bodies, the core characteristic of most standards is that they provide guidance intended to be followed ideally without imposing strict requirements. This distinguishes them from requirements which may use more stringent language like "must" to indicate a compulsory action. Hence, the terminology used in standards reflects their role as best practices rather than absolute mandates.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of standards. Not all documents labeled as standards are mandatory; they are often advisory. Furthermore, standards are not exclusively developed by government agencies; they can also be created by professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and industry groups, fostering broader collaboration across various sectors.