A client has been diagnosed with hepatitis C and started on antiviral therapy. What side effects should the nurse monitor for in this client? (Select all that apply.)

Choice C rationale:

This statement is accurate. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, such as sharing needles or receiving contaminated blood transfusions. However, there have been rare cases of HCV transmission through ingestion of contaminated food or water, although this is not the primary mode of transmission. The risk of acquiring HCV through food or water is significantly lower compared to hepatitis A or hepatitis

E.

Choice A rationale:

Hepatitis A (HAV) can indeed be transmitted through sexual contact, as well as the fecal-oral route. HAV is highly contagious and is commonly associated with outbreaks in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

Choice B rationale:

Hepatitis B (HBV) is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of needles, and from mother to child during childbirth.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatitis E (HEV) is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, similar to hepatitis

A. Unlike what is stated in this choice, HEV does not require a person to be already infected with hepatitis B to cause infection.

Choice A rationale:

The client's statement, "I will take pegylated interferon-alpha as the antiviral agent," demonstrates understanding of the treatment regimen for chronic hepatitis

D. Pegylated interferon-alpha is the recommended antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis

D. It helps suppress viral replication and reduce liver inflammation, which is essential in managing the disease. Interferon therapy can be used alone or in combination with antiviral agents like lamivudine or adefovir. However, it is crucial to note that interferon therapy may have side effects, and the client should be educated about them.

Choice B rationale:

"I will use ribavirin to suppress viral replication" is incorrect. Ribavirin is an antiviral agent used for the treatment of hepatitis C but is not typically recommended for hepatitis

D. The primary antiviral therapy for hepatitis D is pegylated interferon-alpha.

Choice C rationale:

"I need to continue the treatment for a shorter duration than hepatitis B or C" is incorrect. The treatment duration for chronic hepatitis D is generally longer than that for hepatitis B or

C. The therapy may last for six months to a year or even longer, depending on the individual response to treatment and the level of liver damage.

Choice D rationale:

"The goal of treatment is to achieve undetectable HDV RNA after the treatment ends" is incorrect. While achieving undetectable HDV RNA is a favorable outcome, it may not always be achievable with current therapies. The primary goal of treatment is to suppress viral replication, reduce liver inflammation, and slow down the progression of liver disease.