Final answer:
To adhere to a minimal-bacteria diet, the client with neutropenia should avoid pepper, as it may harbor bacteria. Unlike pepper, mustard, salt, and ketchup are less likely to contain bacteria due to their acidic nature and preservative properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physician has ordered a minimal-bacteria diet for a client with neutropenia. On such a diet, the client must avoid food items that may harbor bacteria or promote bacterial growth. The condiment that this client should avoid is pepper, as it can contain bacteria since it is not cooked during processing and can add bacterial load to food. Mustard, salt, and ketchup typically do not pose the same risk due to their preparation and preservation methods. Mustard and ketchup are usually acidic, which inhibits bacterial growth, and salt is a preservative that, when used in reasonable quantities, does not increase the risk of cancer.
When maintaining a minimal-bacteria diet, the key is to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses that can be especially dangerous for those with a compromised immune system, such as individuals with neutropenia. This involves choosing condiments that have been prepared in a way that limits bacterial contamination.