During a prenatal examination a woman reports having two cats at home.The nurse informs her that she should not be cleaning the litter box while she is pregnant.When the woman questions the nurse as to why,the nurse's best response is:

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Toxoplasmosis is a multisystem disease caused by the protozoal Toxoplasma gondii parasite,commonly found in cats,dogs,pigs,sheep,and cattle.About 30% of women who contract toxoplasmosis during gestation transmit the disease to their offspring.Clinical features ascribed to toxoplasmosis include hydrocephalus or microcephaly,chorioretinitis,seizures,or cerebral calcifications.Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)is not transmitted by cats.Although this may be a valid statement,it is not appropriate,does not answer the client's question,and is not the nurse's best response.E.coli is found in normal human fecal flora.It is not transmitted by cats.

During a Prenatal Examination a Woman Reports Having Two Cats