Contact precautions require the use of:

Contact precautions are specific infection control measures taken to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. The correct answer emphasizes the need for gowns and gloves, which are essential to protect healthcare workers and prevent the transmission of infections.

Using gowns and gloves helps create a barrier that minimizes the risk of contamination from bodily fluids or surfaces that may harbor infectious agents. Additionally, while masks are typically more relevant for airborne or droplet precautions, their inclusion in the correct answer acknowledges that comprehensive protection is sometimes necessary where close contact occurs, especially if the patient's illness could spread via respiratory droplets.

Standard precautions serve as the foundation for infection control practices and are adhered to in all patient care settings, ensuring that gloves and gowns are appropriate when dealing with potentially infectious materials. Therefore, combining gowns, gloves, masks, and Standard Precautions offers the most protective approach when caring for patients under contact precautions. This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of being fully prepared to prevent infections in varied clinical scenarios.