What assessment finding suggests risk for Ascaris infection?

The presence of unwashed, fresh vegetables in a person's diet is a significant indicator of potential Ascaris infection. Ascaris lumbricoides, the parasite responsible for ascariasis, often resides in soil that has been contaminated with feces from infected individuals. Agricultural practices that involve the use of human feces as fertilizer can lead to the contamination of crops. If vegetables are not washed thoroughly, the eggs of the parasite can be ingested, leading to infection.

Other options may indeed present risk factors for various infections or health concerns, but they do not specifically point to the transmission route of Ascaris. Traveling to a tropical country might suggest exposure to different infections prevalent in that region, while having pets could relate to zoonotic diseases, but these are not directly linked to Ascaris. Similarly, recent surgeries do not provide relevant information regarding the risk of contracting this specific helminth. Therefore, the consumption of unwashed vegetables specifically highlights a clear link to a potential Ascaris transmission route and is the most relevant assessment finding for the risk of infection.