What do contact precautions primarily aim to prevent?

Contact precautions are specifically designed to prevent the direct or indirect transmission of infectious agents via contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces and items. This means that healthcare workers or visitors who come into contact with a patient under contact precautions must adhere to stringent measures to reduce the risk of spreading infections that can be easily transmitted through touch.

For instance, if a patient has a condition that is spread through skin-to-skin contact—such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)—an individual interacting with that patient must wear appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves and gowns to protect themselves and others. Similarly, surfaces or objects that have come in contact with the patient may harbor pathogens, necessitating careful cleaning and disinfection.

While the other options address different transmission methods—such as respiratory droplets or airborne pathogens—they do not accurately represent the primary focus of contact precautions. The goal is concentrated on minimizing the risk related to physical contact, whether through direct interaction with the patient or indirectly through contaminated items and environments in their vicinity.