Question

The nurse is preparing a community education program about preventing hepatitis B infection. Which of the following would be appropriate to incorporate into the teaching plan?

1) Hand hygiene practices
2) Proper disposal of sharps
3) Vaccination against hepatitis B
4) Avoiding close contact with infected individuals

Answer 1

To prevent hepatitis B infection, the nurse's education program should cover hand hygiene practices, proper disposal of sharps, the importance of hepatitis B vaccination, and avoiding close contact with those infected.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing a community education program to prevent hepatitis B infection, the nurse should incorporate several key strategies into the teaching plan:

1. Emphasize the importance of hand hygiene practices: regular and thorough handwashing can help reduce the transmission of many pathogens, including hepatitis B.
2. Discuss the proper disposal of sharps to prevent needlestick injuries which can lead to HBV transmission in healthcare settings.
3. Highlight the necessity of vaccination against hepatitis B: the HBV vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease, and it is recommended for healthcare workers and individuals at high risk.
4. Advise on avoiding close contact with infected individuals, as HBV can be transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or body fluids.

All these measures combined contribute to a comprehensive approach that can significantly lower the risk of hepatitis B infection within the community and specifically among healthcare workers who are at increased risk.