Final answer:
The mother's action that best demonstrates her knowledge of preventing HBV transmission to the newborn is sterilizing feeding equipment, as HBV can remain infective on surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is evaluating the mother's ability to provide safe bottle-feeding to prevent potential disease transmission of hepatitis B (HBV) to the newborn. Among the options provided, the action that best exemplifies the mother's knowledge of preventing HBV transmission is C) Sterilizing feeding equipment. Although hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as kissing on the face, it is important to be cautious and ensure that any equipment that could come into contact with body fluids is sterilized properly to prevent any inadvertent transmission. Sterilizing feeding equipment addresses the risk of HBV which can remain infective on surfaces for a period of time. Healthcare settings reduce the transmission of HBV through steps such as using gloves, face protection, disposable syringes, and needles, along with vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis when appropriate. Ensuring sterilization of feeding equipment aligns with CDC recommendations for disinfecting surfaces potentially exposed to HBV.