The nurse is educating a client with a low CD4 count on self-care measures to prevent infection. What information does the nurse provide? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale Soil and potting mixes can harbor fungal spores and bacteria, such as _Aspergillus_, which are opportunistic pathogens. A client with a low CD4 count (normal range is ≥ 500 cells/mm) is immunocompromised and at high risk for acquiring severe systemic infections from these environmental sources, necessitating avoidance. Choice B rationale Cat feces can transmit the parasite _Toxoplasma gondii_, which causes toxoplasmosis. In an immunocompromised client with a low CD4 count, toxoplasmosis can lead to severe neurological disease (e.g., encephalitis). Therefore, avoiding emptying kitty litter boxes or having someone else do it is a vital preventative measure. Choice C rationale Cleaning a toothbrush in the dishwasher daily is excessive and generally unnecessary; typical good hygiene is to rinse the toothbrush thoroughly and replace it every three months. Overly aggressive measures like daily dishwashing are not standard infection prevention for low CD4 counts and do not target the main infection risks. Choice D rationale Bathing daily using soap helps remove pathogens from the skin, which is the body's largest barrier against infection. Maintaining meticulous personal hygiene is crucial for preventing skin breakdown and opportunistic bacterial infections in an immunocompromised client. Choice E rationale Avoiding contact with sick people reduces the risk of exposure to common viruses (e.g., flu, common cold) and bacteria that can cause serious illness in an immunocompromised host. Avoiding large crowds limits exposure to respiratory pathogens from people who may be asymptomatically shedding viruses. Choice F rationale Properly cooking meat, fish, and eggs is essential to kill potential pathogens like _Salmonella_, _E. coli_, and _Toxoplasma_. Clients with a low CD4 count are highly susceptible to severe, disseminated foodborne infections, making thorough cooking a key dietary precaution.