What protective equipment is typically used for contact precautions?

The correct equipment for contact precautions is gloves and gowns. Contact precautions are utilized when dealing with patients who have infections that can be transmitted via direct contact with the patient or their immediate environment. The use of gloves helps to prevent the healthcare worker's hands from coming into contact with potentially infectious material, such as bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. A gown provides a physical barrier to protect the healthcare worker’s clothing and skin from contamination.

This combination of gloves and gown is essential to reduce the risk of spreading infections, particularly in settings like hospitals or long-term care facilities. In contrast, the other options do not fully encompass the necessary protection for contact precautions. A face mask and gloves would be more appropriate for respiratory precautions, while a gown alone does not provide adequate hand protection. An N95 mask is specifically designed for airborne precautions, not for contact precautions, highlighting the importance of using the right equipment for the specific type of infection control practices.