Question 1

A patient who is asymptomatic tests positive for the hepatitis C virus (HVC). What will the provider tell the patient about managing this illness?&#10;A) A rapidly fulminant disease ending with cirrhosis is likely.&#10;B) Administering immunoglobulins helps shorten the course.&#10;C) Several medications are available based on the type of hepatitis C.&#10;D) Treatment is supportive since the infection is self-limiting.

Accepted Answer

Several medications are available based on the type of hepatitis C. While some patients with Hepatitis C may not show any signs of illness, the infection can cause liver damage over time. Treatment may be recommended to prevent liver damage, and several medications are available that target the hepatitis C virus. The specific medication chosen depends on the type of hepatitis C the patient has.

Question 2

A patient recovering from chronic alcohol abuse reports nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. A physical examination is negative for jaundice or ascites. What will the provider do initially?

A) Obtain a bilirubin level and prothrombin time
B) Order a complete blood count and liver function tests
C) Reassure the patient that this is likely a viral gastroenteritis
D) Refer the patient to a specialist for evaluation and treatment

B

Accepted Answer

The patient's history of chronic alcohol abuse and presenting symptoms suggest the possibility of alcoholic hepatitis, which can cause liver function abnormalities. Therefore, ordering liver function tests (such as AST, ALT, and albumin) and a complete blood count can help evaluate the patient's liver function and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. Obtaining a bilirubin level and prothrombin time may be necessary for further evaluation, but these tests alone are not sufficient for an initial workup. Reassurance and referral to a specialist may also be appropriate, depending on the severity of the symptoms and findings on initial evaluation, but they are not the first steps in management.

Question 3

Which form of hepatitis virus is rapidly spread via the fecal-oral route?&#10;A) Hepatitis A&#10;B) Hepatitis B&#10;C) Hepatitis C&#10;D) Hepatitis D

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis A virus is primarily spread through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. It is easily spread via the fecal-oral route, meaning that if someone does not properly wash their hands after using the bathroom, they can contaminate food, water, or surfaces that others may come into contact with. Hepatitis B, C, and D, however, are primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as through sharing of needles or other injection drug use equipment or through unsafe sex practices.

Deck 119: Hepatitis