When assessing a client for risk of Ascaris, which question is most appropriate?

The most appropriate question to assess a client for the risk of Ascaris infection is centered around dietary habits, specifically the consumption of unwashed, fresh vegetables. Ascaris lumbricoides, the parasite responsible for ascariasis, is commonly transmitted through ingestion of eggs that can be present in contaminated food sources, particularly those not properly washed or cooked.

Unwashed vegetables are often a vector for Ascaris eggs, especially if they have been fertilized with contaminated materials or grown in soil that has been exposed to infected fecal matter. Therefore, asking about the consumption of unwashed vegetables directly relates to a key mode of transmission for this parasite.

The other options, while relevant to assessing general risk factors for different infections or health issues, do not specifically target the primary means of Ascaris transmission. For instance, travel questions may relate to various parasitic or infectious diseases depending on the region visited, but travel alone does not guarantee exposure to Ascaris. Similarly, pets may transmit other parasites but are not a primary concern with Ascaris. Lastly, inquiring about abdominal pain is important for assessing symptoms, but it doesn't directly address the risk factors leading to potential infection. This makes the question about unwashed vegetables the most relevant in