(ATI/HESI question from external source) A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected hepatitis D infection. Which interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should expect to assess fever in a client with suspected hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A can cause flu-like symptoms, and fever is a common manifestation of the infection.

Choice C rationale:

Dark urine is another symptom the nurse should expect to assess in a client with hepatitis

A. Hepatitis A can cause jaundice, leading to dark-colored urine due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Choice D rationale:

Abdominal pain is a symptom that the nurse should anticipate in a client with hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to abdominal discomfort or pain in the right upper quadrant.

Choice E rationale:

Confusion is another possible symptom in a client with hepatitis

A. Severe cases of hepatitis A can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, causing confusion, altered mental status, and even coma.

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.