Hepatitis (11 Questions)

1. A 28-year-old male presents to the CLSC (local community service center) reporting extreme fatigue, nausea, and right upper quadrant pain for the past four days. He mentions that he returned two weeks ago from a backpacking trip in a region with poor sanitation infrastructure. Upon assessment, you note that his sclera are icteric (yellow) and his urine is dark amber. He works as a line cook in a busy downtown restaurant and is worried about when he can return to his shift.

Question:
Based on the suspected diagnosis and the client’s occupation, what is the nurse’s priority intervention regarding public health? *
2. A 34‑year‑old woman with chronic hepatitis B is hospitalized for fatigue and abnormal liver enzymes. During care, she tells the nurse that her partner is unaware of her diagnosis and that she does not plan to inform him because she fears rejection. The partner visits frequently and assists with personal care.

Question:
What is the nurse’s most appropriate action? *
3. You are working in the emergency department and are assigned to care for a 45-year-old female with a known history of chronic Hepatitis C and alcohol use disorder. She was brought in by her family because she has been increasingly confused and lethargic over the last 24 hours. During your physical assessment, you ask the patient to extend her arms with wrists hyperextended, and you observe a rapid, non-rhythmic flapping tremor of the hands (asterixis). Her breath has a sweet, musty odor.

Question:
Which physiological alteration is the most likely cause of the patient’s current neurological status? *
4. A 34-year-old nurse presents to the occupational health clinic immediately after sustaining a deep needle-stick injury while disposing of a syringe used on a patient known to be Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. The nurse is visibly distressed. A review of the nurse’s employee health record reveals that she received the Hepatitis B vaccine series five years ago but has never had her antibody titers (anti-HBs) checked to confirm immunity.

Question:
What is the most appropriate immediate course of action for the nurse? *
5. You are caring for a 58-year-old male with decompensated cirrhosis secondary to chronic Hepatitis B. The patient has developed massive ascites and reports significant dyspnea, stating, "I feel like I'm suffocating when I lie down." His respiratory rate is 26 breaths/minute, and oxygen saturation is 93% on room air. The physician has prescribed spironolactone and furosemide, but the patient remains uncomfortable.

Question:
Aside from administering medication, what is the best nursing intervention to relieve the patient’s respiratory distress? *
6. A 22-year-old female visits the sexual health clinic for counseling. She has just started a relationship with a partner who has chronic Hepatitis B. She is concerned about contracting the virus but wants to maintain the relationship. She has no history of vaccination against Hepatitis B.

Question:
In addition to recommending vaccination, what specific education is essential to include regarding transmission prevention during the vaccination period? *
7. A 50-year-old client with chronic Hepatitis C is being discharged from the hospital after a minor procedure. The nurse is reviewing medication safety with the client. The client mentions that he frequently takes over-the-counter medications for headaches and mild joint pain. He asks which pain reliever is safest for him to use at home.

Question:
What is the nurse’s most accurate response regarding analgesic use for this client? *
8. You are assessing a patient with acute Hepatitis who complains of severe generalized pruritus (itching). The patient has scratch marks on his arms and legs and states he cannot sleep because of the itching. Upon assessment, his skin appears dry and jaundiced. He asks why this is happening and what he can do to stop it.

Question:
Which nursing recommendation is most appropriate to help manage this symptom? *
9. A 62-year-old male is admitted with a diagnosis of Hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis. During your morning assessment, you note that the patient has vomited a small amount of bright red blood. His blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, and his heart rate is 110 beats/minute. He appears pale and anxious.

Question:
What is the nurse’s priority immediate action? *
10. You are providing dietary teaching to a client recovering from an acute attack of Hepatitis B who has lost weight due to nausea and anorexia. The client is now tolerating oral intake and asks what kind of diet will help restore his liver function and energy levels.

Question:
Which dietary plan is most suitable for this client during the recovery phase? *
11. A pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with Hepatitis B. She is very anxious about the health of her baby and asks the nurse if her baby will be born with the disease and if she will be allowed to hold her baby after delivery.

Question:
What information should the nurse provide to reassure the mother regarding newborn care? *