What personal protective equipment is required for contact precautions?

The correct answer involves the use of a gown and gloves as essential personal protective equipment (PPE) when implementing contact precautions. Contact precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected patients or their environment.

Wearing a gown provides a barrier between the healthcare worker and the patient or contaminated surfaces, protecting the worker's clothing and skin from potential pathogens. Gloves serve a similar purpose, allowing healthcare workers to handle contaminated materials and perform tasks without risking exposure to infectious agents. This combination is specifically aimed at preventing disease transmission that can occur through direct contact with patients who have infections spread via this route.

In contrast, the other options focus on different types of PPE suited for various situations. Masks and goggles are primarily used for respiratory droplet precautions, while shoe covers and hairnets are not standard PPE for contact precautions. Similarly, gloves and face shields may be relevant for airborne or splash risks rather than contact transmission. Therefore, the gown and gloves are the most appropriate and required equipment for ensuring safety during contact precautions.