A nurse is providing education to a client recovering from severe bacterial gastroenteritis. Which complication should the nurse emphasize as a potential concern?

A) Incorrect. Avoiding hand hygiene is not an effective way to prevent gastroenteritis; in fact, it increases the risk of infection.

B) Incorrect. Sharing personal items can increase the risk of spreading gastroenteritis, as the virus or bacteria can be easily transmitted through shared items.

C) Incorrect. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used in the absence of soap and water, they are not as effective as proper handwashing.

D) Correct. Proper hand hygiene, especially after using the restroom, is crucial in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis, as it reduces the risk of contaminating hands with potentially infectious agents.

A) Incorrect. Avoiding fluids can lead to dehydration. It's important to maintain hydration, especially in cases of gastroenteritis.

B) Correct. Clear fluids like water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration.

C) Incorrect. Caffeinated beverages can lead to further dehydration due to their diuretic effect, so they should be avoided.

D) Incorrect. Fruit juices and carbonated beverages can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and are not recommended during the acute phase of gastroenteritis.