Which items are essential to include when implementing contact precautions?

When implementing contact precautions, it is essential to include gloves, gowns, and dedicated patient care equipment. This is because contact precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that can be spread by direct contact with the patient or their environment.

Gloves serve as a barrier to protect healthcare workers from exposure to potentially infectious materials. Gowns provide additional protection by covering the skin and clothing from contamination. Dedicated patient care equipment, such as thermometers or stethoscopes that are not shared with other patients, is crucial to avoid cross-contamination between patients.

In contrast, the other options lack comprehensive protective measures. Relying solely on face masks and gloves does not account for environmental contamination and the need for protective clothing. Using only hand sanitizer would not be sufficient in situations where direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces is likely. Lastly, personal items of the staff should not be included in contact precautions, as they could pose a risk of carrying pathogens outside of the patient care area.