Question

The nurse is listening to a lecture on hepatitis. Which statement by the nurse indicates that teaching has been effective?

A) "Liver transplantation is a first-line treatment to prevent complications."
B) "Hepatitis is self-limiting and is followed by full recovery."
C) "No special precautions are needed when caring for someone with this disease."
D) "Universal precautions should be followed to prevent the spread of the virus."

Answer 1

The correct statement indicating effective hepatitis teaching is that universal precautions are necessary to prevent the virus's spread, with vaccinations and treatments for chronic infections also playing a vital role.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement by a nurse that indicates effective teaching on hepatitis would be, "Universal precautions should be followed to prevent the spread of the virus." Hepatitis can be a self-limiting condition, but this is not true for all types. Vaccinations exist for some hepatitis viruses such as HAV and HBV, and antiviral treatments are available for chronic infections like HBV, HCV, and HEV.

In severe cases, a liver transplantation might be considered. However, this is not the first-line treatment to prevent complications but rather a last resort. Considering the risk of transmission through blood and body fluids, it is essential for healthcare workers to follow universal precautions such as using gloves, face protection, disposable syringes and needles, and proper disposal of medical waste. Additionally, post-exposure protocols including the use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination can further prevent the spread of HBV.