A client with hepatitis B asks the nurse about ways to prevent transmission. What should the nurse include in the education?

Choice A rationale:

The administration of the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) to exposed contacts is an appropriate intervention for suspected hepatitis D infection. Hepatitis D is a defective virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B to replicate, so administering the hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis D infection in exposed contacts. HBIG contains antibodies against hepatitis B, which can provide temporary protection to exposed contacts.

Choice B rationale:

Advising the patient to avoid sexual contact or use condoms until cleared of infection is crucial in preventing the spread of hepatitis D. The virus can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact, so precautionary measures are essential.

Choice C rationale:

The availability and benefits of the hepatitis D vaccine for prevention should be communicated to the patient. Currently, there is no specific treatment for hepatitis D infection, and vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.

Choice D rationale:

Educating the patient about the need for regular monitoring of liver function and viral load is essential in managing hepatitis D. Hepatitis D can lead to severe liver complications, and monitoring liver function and viral load helps in evaluating disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Choice E rationale:

Disinfecting contaminated surfaces or instruments with bleach or autoclave is not directly related to the care of a patient with suspected hepatitis D infection. Hepatitis D is primarily transmitted through blood and sexual contact, not through contaminated surfaces or instruments.

Choice A rationale:

Fulminant hepatitis is a severe and life-threatening complication of hepatitis E, particularly in pregnant women. It can lead to liver failure, and timely monitoring is crucial to detect any early signs of deterioration in the patient's condition. Pregnant women with hepatitis E require close observation and frequent assessment of liver function to ensure prompt intervention if needed.

Choice B rationale:

Administering hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) to exposed contacts is not the priority in managing a patient with hepatitis

E. Hepatitis E is caused by a different virus (hepatitis E virus) and is not effectively prevented by hepatitis B immunoglobulin.

Choice C rationale:

Educating the patient about the benefits of hepatitis C vaccine is not relevant to the care of a patient with hepatitis

E. These are two different types of viral hepatitis, caused by distinct viruses (hepatitis C virus and hepatitis E virus), and each requires specific management.

Choice D rationale:

Advising the patient to avoid sexual contact until cleared of infection is important in some cases, but it is not the priority intervention for a patient with hepatitis

E. The primary concern in hepatitis E is monitoring for complications, especially in pregnant women, as discussed in choice A rationale.