Which precautions are indicated for infections spread by contact such as MRSA and C. difficile?

• A. Gloves and gown
• B. N95 respirator
• C. Surgical mask and face shield
• D. Standard precautions only

Answer: (A)

When an infection spreads mainly by contact, the primary protection is barrier precautions that block transfer via touching contaminated surfaces or the patient. Gloves and a gown provide that barrier for both direct contact with the patient and indirect contact with their surroundings, reducing the chance that pathogens like MRSA or C. difficile are picked up on hands or clothing and carried to other surfaces or people.

N95 respirators guard against airborne particles, which isn’t the typical route for MRSA or C. difficile. A surgical mask and face shield protect against droplets or splashes, not the general contact route. Standard precautions alone are the baseline for many infections, but contact-spread organisms require adding gloves and gowns to create the necessary barrier. Remember to couple these with meticulous hand hygiene and using dedicated equipment to further minimize transmission.