Final answer:
When giving a bed bath to a patient on contact precautions, the UAP should use gloves. Hand hygiene and disinfection practices are also critical to prevent infection spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing a bed bath to a client who is on contact precautions, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) should use gloves as the protective item. Contact precautions require barriers to prevent the transmission of infectious agents through touch or contact with the patient's environment. Therefore, gloves are essential to prevent the spread of the infection. Regarding contact precautions in medical settings, other protective items such as gowns, masks, or face shields might be used depending on the specific circumstances and hospital protocols, but for the activity described - giving a bed bath - gloves are the correct and minimal protective equipment indicated.
It is also crucial for UAPs and other medical personnel to follow stringent hand hygiene practices and carefully disinfect all items that come in contact with the patient. Handwashing is paramount for maintaining a safe environment and preventing cross-contamination among patients and healthcare workers alike.