Before entering a room with a patient on contact precautions for active MRSA, what PPE should be worn?

When a patient is on contact precautions for active MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), it is essential to wear a gown and gloves before entering the room. This is because MRSA can be spread through direct contact with the patient or with surfaces and equipment that have been contaminated with the bacteria.

Wearing a gown helps to protect the healthcare worker's clothing and skin from coming into contact with the patient or the patient’s environment, while gloves provide a barrier against potential transmission through touch. The use of these two pieces of personal protective equipment ensures that health care workers maintain a clean and safe environment both for themselves and for other patients.

While wearing a mask might be appropriate in certain situations, it is not a standard requirement for contact precautions unless there is a specific respiratory concern with the patient. Similarly, surgical caps are not typically necessary for contact precautions regarding MRSA. Thus, the most appropriate PPE in this scenario consists of a gown and gloves to effectively prevent the spread of infection.