A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who had a mechanical mitral valve replacement. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Clients with mechanical heart valve replacements are at high risk for infective endocarditis because bacteria can colonize the prosthetic valve during bacteremic episodes, including those caused by dental procedures. Notifying the dentist allows the provider to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics before dental work, which is the standard of care recommended by the American Heart Association for clients with mechanical valves. This statement directly demonstrates the client's understanding of a key safety measure. Enteric-coated aspirin alone is insufficient for anticoagulation after a mechanical valve replacement; these clients require warfarin (an anticoagulant) to prevent thrombus formation on the prosthesis, and aspirin does not fulfill this requirement. Using a firm-bristled toothbrush would be contraindicated because mechanical valve patients are typically on anticoagulation therapy, which increases bleeding risk; a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended to minimize gum bleeding. Weighing once a week may be appropriate for heart failure monitoring, but daily weights are the standard recommendation for fluid status tracking; once-weekly weighing would delay detection of fluid retention. The correct answer, notifying the dentist, reflects understanding of endocarditis prophylaxis, which is the most critical discharge teaching point for a client with a mechanical valve replacement.