When educating a mother about avoiding reinfection of hookworm infection, what should the nurse emphasize?

Emphasizing the importance of vigilant hygiene is crucial in preventing reinfection of hookworm infections because this parasite often spreads through contaminated soil and feces. Proper hygiene practices—such as washing hands frequently, especially after using the restroom or before preparing food, and ensuring that children do not play barefoot in areas where feces may be present—can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hookworm larvae. Keeping living areas clean and discouraging practices that lead to soil contamination is equally important, as hookworm larvae can penetrate skin in contaminated environments.

While blood tests, dietary restrictions, and regular follow-up appointments may have their own roles in patient care, they are not as directly impactful as hygiene practices when it comes to preventing reinfection of hookworm. Therefore, focusing on hygiene provides a practical approach to avoiding future infections.