A nurse is educating a group of patients about hepatitis. Which statement accurately describes chronic hepatitis?

Choice A rationale:

Hepatitis C is indeed caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is a single-stranded RNA virus. The virus is classified under the Flaviviridae family and is known for its high genetic variability, leading to the development of multiple genotypes and subtypes. The RNA genome of HCV is not defective, but rather highly adaptable, making it challenging to develop effective vaccines and treatments. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, sharing needles, and, less commonly, through sexual contact and from mother to child during childbirth.

Choice B rationale:

Hepatitis B (HBV) is caused by a partially double-stranded DNA virus, not a non-enveloped single-stranded RNA virus. HBV belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family, and it is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. HBV can cause both acute and chronic liver infections.

Choice C rationale:

Hepatitis A (HAV) is caused by an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus, not hepatitis

C. HAV is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically due to contaminated food or water. It is usually a self-limiting disease that does not lead to chronic liver problems.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatitis E (HEV) is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus, but it is not partially double-stranded DNA, as stated in this choice. HEV is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, similar to HAV, and it can cause acute hepatitis, particularly in pregnant women, but it does not require a prior hepatitis B infection for transmission.

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.