When transferring a contagious patient, which of the following is NOT a safety precaution?

Using a mask only for the patient during the transfer of a contagious patient is not a comprehensive safety precaution. In situations involving contagious patients, it is crucial to consider protecting not just the patient, but also the healthcare workers and others who may come into contact with the patient.

Proper infection control measures require mutual protection. While it is important to provide a mask for the patient to help reduce the spread of infectious agents, healthcare workers also need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include masks, gloves, and gowns, depending on the type of contagion. This dual approach minimizes the risk of transmission effectively.

The other options involve actions that are standard protocols in handling contagious patients. Covering the patient with a sheet helps to contain any potential droplets, placing a sheet on the table ensures that surfaces are kept as sanitary as possible, and cleaning the table after use is critical to eliminating any pathogens that may have been transferred during the procedure. All these actions contribute to a safer environment during the transfer of patients who are infectious.