Final answer:
To prevent malaria, the nurse should teach the client to avoid mosquito bites, untreated water, and undercooked food.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client is concerned about contracting malaria while visiting relatives in Southeast Asia. What should the nurse teach the client to avoid to prevent malaria?
Malaria is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum, which is carried by mosquitoes. The nurse should educate the client on the following preventive measures:
- Mosquito bites: The client should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
- Untreated water: It is important to drink only clean and safe water to prevent any potential waterborne infections. The client should stick to bottled or purified water and avoid drinking untreated or stagnant water.
- Undercooked food: Malaria cannot be contracted through food, but it is advisable to consume cooked food to reduce the risk of other foodborne illnesses that may compromise the immune system.
The client should be aware that malaria is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and taking appropriate measures to avoid being bitten is crucial in preventing the infection.