Which personal protective equipment (PPE) combination is appropriate for contact precautions when caring for a patient with MRSA?

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) combination is appropriate for contact precautions when caring for a patient with MRSA?

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

Answer: (B)

Contact precautions are about stopping transmission through direct contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces. MRSA spreads mainly by touch, so protecting both skin/clothes and hands is essential. A gown covers your clothing and skin from contaminated environments, while gloves provide a barrier for your hands during any patient contact or when handling contaminated items. Removing gloves and gown safely and performing hand hygiene afterward further reduces spread. Masks aren’t routinely needed for MRSA unless there’s a risk of respiratory droplets or splashes, and eye protection is only necessary if there’s a chance of splashing to the eyes. The other options fail to provide both hand and clothing protection that contact precautions require.

Contact precautions are about stopping transmission through direct contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces. MRSA spreads mainly by touch, so protecting both skin/clothes and hands is essential. A gown covers your clothing and skin from contaminated environments, while gloves provide a barrier for your hands during any patient contact or when handling contaminated items. Removing gloves and gown safely and performing hand hygiene afterward further reduces spread.

Masks aren’t routinely needed for MRSA unless there’s a risk of respiratory droplets or splashes, and eye protection is only necessary if there’s a chance of splashing to the eyes. The other options fail to provide both hand and clothing protection that contact precautions require.