A college student may have a helminthic infection. What crucial assessment question should the nurse ask?

In the context of assessing a potential helminthic infection, it is essential for the nurse to gather information that can directly impact the patient's treatment and health risks. Asking about the possibility of pregnancy is crucial because certain anthelmintic medications may have implications for pregnant individuals. Some of these medications can either affect fetal development or are contraindicated during pregnancy, thus making it necessary for healthcare providers to confirm a patient's pregnancy status before initiating any treatment.

While inquiries about international travel, drug use history, and sexually transmitted infections can provide valuable context regarding exposure to various pathogens and risk factors for different infections, they do not directly inform the management of anthelmintic therapy in the same way that pregnancy status does. In short, focusing specifically on whether the patient might be pregnant is particularly vital in order to ensure the safety and appropriateness of any potential treatment plan for helminthic infections.