A precepting nurse is observing a new graduate nurse prepare to enter a client's room to provide tracheostomy care and suctioning. The client is on contact precautions. The nurse intervenes when the new graduate nurse applies which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A. Gown: A moisture-resistant gown is an essential component of contact precautions to prevent the transmission of epidemiologically significant pathogens via direct or indirect contact with the client or environmental surfaces. During tracheostomy care, there is a high risk of being sprayed by secretions, making the gown a mandatory barrier. B. Goggles: Protective eyewear or goggles are indicated during aerosol-generating procedures, such as tracheostomy care and suctioning, to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes from splashes of respiratory secretions. While not specifically required for "contact" precautions alone, they are necessary for the specific task being performed to ensure the safety of the healthcare worker. C. N-95 Mask: The precepting nurse must intervene because an N-95 respirator is specifically reserved for airborne precautions, such as in cases of tuberculosis, rubeola, or varicella, to filter out small-particle aerosols. Tracheostomy care and suctioning under contact precautions typically require a standard surgical mask to protect against droplets, but an N-95 is unnecessary and represents an inappropriate use of specialized resources. Using a higher level of respiratory protection than indicated does not align with established hospital infection control protocols. D. Gloves: Clean, non-sterile gloves are the primary requirement for contact precautions and are used whenever there is potential contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. For tracheostomy care, the nurse may use sterile gloves for the actual procedure, but applying gloves to enter the room is fundamentally correct. Since the nurse is preparing to provide care involving bodily secretions, the use of gloves is an expected and required action that does not warrant intervention.