Which patient would be a candidate for animal-assisted therapy?

Choice A reason: Bone marrow transplant patients are immunocompromised; animals pose infection risks (e.g., zoonotic bacteria), making therapy contraindicated in this sterile setting. Choice B reason: C. difficile is contagious; animal-assisted therapy risks cross-contamination via fur or handlers, endangering the patient and facility, ruling out this option. Choice C reason: Acute asthma with dyspnea may worsen with animal dander triggering allergies or bronchospasm; therapy could exacerbate respiratory distress, making it unsuitable. Choice D reason: Alzheimer’s patients benefit from animal therapy; it reduces agitation and boosts mood via oxytocin release, with no acute infection or allergy barriers.