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A dialysis technician who acquires a hepatitis B infection at work most likely will have acquired the virus by?

1) Direct contact with infected blood or body fluids
2) Ingesting contaminated food or water
3) Breathing in contaminated air
4) Touching contaminated surfaces

2 Answers

7 votes

Final answer:

A dialysis technician most likely acquires hepatitis B through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. Precautionary measures and mandatory vaccinations are essential to prevent HBV transmission in healthcare settings. Post-exposure treatments are also available to manage any accidental exposure risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

A dialysis technician who acquires a hepatitis B infection at work most likely will have acquired the virus by direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted through activities such as handling blood products, accidental needlesticks, or any other procedures that may expose a healthcare worker to infected blood. To reduce the risk of HBV transmission in health-care settings, several precautions can be taken, including wearing protective gloves and face protection, utilizing disposable needles, and following strict disinfection protocols for equipment and surfaces.

Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing HBV infection among healthcare workers. Regulatory agencies mandate the offering of the HBV vaccine to workers who have occupational exposure to blood and/or other infectious materials. In the unfortunate event of exposure, post-exposure treatments like hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination are critical components of managing the risk of infection.

User Jordan Grant
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6 votes

Final answer:

A dialysis technician most likely acquires hepatitis B through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. Use of personal protective equipment, HBV vaccination, and adherence to infection control protocols are crucial preventive measures in health-care settings.The correct answer is options 1

Step-by-step explanation:

A dialysis technician who acquires a hepatitis B infection at work most likely will have acquired the virus by direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B (HBV) is known to be transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or other potentially infectious materials such as semen and saliva. Health-care workers are particularly at risk through needle sticks, cuts, and contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. Use of personal protective equipment, proper disposal of needles and sharps, and following strict infection control protocols are essential in reducing the risk of HBV transmission in health-care settings. Vaccination against HBV is highly recommended for health-care workers to provide immunity and further reduce the risk of infection.

Education on safe practices, regular testing of blood products, and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis, such as hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the hepatitis B vaccine, are critical. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests using a 10% bleach solution for disinfecting surfaces that might be contaminated. Despite similar symptoms among the different hepatitis viruses, each has a unique transmission route; HBV's transmission is not through casual contact, fecal-oral routes, or airborne particles. So, The correct answer is options 1

User Gagneet
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