What is a key measure for a nurse to teach about caring for a client on contact precautions?

Wearing gloves when providing care is a key measure for a nurse to teach about caring for a client on contact precautions. Contact precautions are specifically designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that can be transferred through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. Gloves serve as a critical barrier to protect both the healthcare worker and the client from potential pathogens that could be present on the skin or in the environment, reducing the risk of infection.

While wearing a surgical mask, utilizing a gown, and limiting visitors may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not specifically address the primary concern of contact precautions. A surgical mask is typically more relevant for respiratory precautions rather than contact precautions. The use of gowns should be based on the likelihood of coming into contact with bodily fluids or contamination, and limiting visitors may not directly influence the transmission prevention strategy as effectively as the consistent use of gloves does. Therefore, emphasizing the use of gloves as part of routine care for clients under contact precautions ensures that the highest standards of infection control are maintained.