What action is taken regarding equipment that contacts a patient's intact skin?

The appropriate action for equipment that comes into contact with a patient's intact skin is cleaning with detergent. This step is essential in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring that any visible soiling or organic material is removed from the equipment's surface. Cleaning with a detergent helps to break down dirt and biological contaminants, making the equipment safer for use.

While sterilization is reserved for instruments that come into contact with sterile tissue or bodily fluids, and high-level disinfection applies to items that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, the scenario presents an instance where the equipment only contacts intact skin. Therefore, using cleaning with detergent is the most suitable method in this specific context.