What essential personal protective equipment should be donned before entering the patient's room just before transport?

The essential personal protective equipment required before entering a patient's room, particularly when preparing for transport, includes a gown, gloves, and a mask for several important reasons.

Applying a gown offers a barrier to protect the caregiver's clothing and skin from potential contamination by blood, body fluids, or infectious materials. This is crucial in maintaining both the caregiver's safety and the patient's safety by preventing cross-contamination.

Wearing gloves provides a direct layer of protection for the hands, which are often in contact with surfaces or materials that may be contaminated. Gloves help minimize the risk of transmitting infectious agents from the caregiver to the patient and vice versa.

A mask is also critical, especially in situations where airborne pathogens could be present. It protects the caregiver from inhaling infectious particles that could be aerosolized, as well as safeguarding the patient from potential respiratory droplets emitted by the caregiver.

This combination of a gown, gloves, and mask creates a comprehensive approach to infection control and personal safety, which is vital in a healthcare setting. The other options provided do not ensure the same level of protection needed in such scenarios.