Which PPE is required for contact precautions?

• A. Mask and gloves
• B. Gown only
• C. Gown and gloves
• D. Gloves only

Answer: (C)

Contact precautions rely on barriers that protect both skin and clothing from contact with infectious material. The essential protective gear is a gown and gloves: gloves keep your hands clean and prevent transfer of organisms to or from surfaces you touch, while the gown covers your clothing and skin to limit contamination from patient care activities or environmental surfaces. A mask isn’t required for contact precautions alone because the risk isn’t primarily through the air or droplets, though it may be added if another precaution is indicated. Remember to perform hand hygiene before donning and after doffing, and remove PPE in the correct order to avoid self-contamination.