Final answer:
The Anti-hepatitis C antibody test indicates the presence of hepatitis C antibodies, suggesting exposure to the virus. Confirmation by a hepatitis C RNA test is needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The test that indicates the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in a client with a recent exposure to hepatitis C virus is D) Anti-hepatitis C antibody. This test checks for antibodies specifically targeting the hepatitis C virus (HCV). A positive result suggests that the individual's immune system has responded to the presence of the virus. However, such antibody-based tests can sometimes yield a false positive, necessitating a confirmatory test. A more definitive diagnosis would require a hepatitis C RNA test, which would look for the actual viral RNA rather than the immune response to it. General laboratory testing may indicate liver problems through elevated levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), but these do not directly indicate the presence of HCV antibodies.