The nurse is conducting a routine screening to detect a client's risk for toxoplasmosis parasite infection during pregnancy. Which factor should the nurse ask about to determine this risk?

• A. Presence of cats in the home
• B. Number of sexual partners during pregnancy
• C. Exposure to children with rashes or gastrointestinal symptoms
• D. History of high fevers or unusual rashes during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy

Answer: (A)

Toxoplasmosis risk in pregnancy hinges on exposure to the parasite’s primary source: cat feces and environments contaminated by it. Cats shed Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in their feces, which can contaminate soil, litter boxes, or unwashed produce. Therefore, asking about having cats at home directly targets the main route through which a pregnant person could acquire an infection.

The other factors don’t align with how toxoplasmosis is commonly transmitted. Sexual history isn’t related to this parasite. Contact with children who have rashes or GI symptoms doesn’t indicate toxoplasma exposure, and a past fever or unusual rash in early pregnancy could reflect many other conditions but not the specific exposure risk for this infection.

If a client has cats, emphasize practical precautions: someone else should change the litter box, or wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling litter or soil; avoid feeding cats raw meat; practice good food hygiene by washing produce and cooking meat thoroughly; and keep hands clean after gardening or touching soil. These steps help reduce the chance of maternal infection and, consequently, fetal complications.