What strategy should a nurse recommend to reduce the risk of helminthic infections?

Washing hands frequently and properly is the most effective strategy for reducing the risk of helminthic infections. Helminths, which include worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Hand hygiene is crucial in breaking the transmission cycle, particularly after using the bathroom, before handling food, and after potential exposure to contaminated environments.

Regular hand washing can significantly minimize the risk of ingesting eggs or larvae that may be present on contaminated surfaces or food. By incorporating correct hand washing techniques—using soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and rinsing thoroughly—individuals can protect themselves from many infectious agents, including helminths. This preventive measure is especially important in areas where sanitation may be poor or where helminth infections are more prevalent.

Other strategies, while potentially useful in specific contexts, do not address the primary route of transmission for helminthic infections as directly as proper hand hygiene.