The nurse teaches a group of homeless community clients preventive measures related to transmission of hepatitis A. Which of these measures would the nurse teach as the priority precaution to prevent transmission?

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The transmission of hepatitis A occurs most commonly through the fecal-oral route through poor hand hygiene and improper food handling by infected persons. It is seen primarily in developing countries. After infection, the hepatitis A virus reproduces in the liver and is secreted in bile. Therefore, hand hygiene (especially after toileting and before meals) is the most important intervention to reduce the occurrence of hepatitis A infection (Option D). Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for all children at age 1 and for adults at risk of contracting the virus (health care workers, men who have sex with men, drug users, those who travel to areas with a high prevalence, those with clotting disorders, and those with liver disease). (Options A and B) Hepatitis A is secreted in bile and is more often transmitted via the fecal-oral route. However, the virus can also be spread through needle sharing between intravenous drug users and unsafe sexual practices. These practices should be discouraged and hand hygiene encouraged as the most important intervention for prevention. (Option C) Vaccination is an important means of preventing infection. However, hygienic measures (eg, hand washing, sanitation, cleanliness, avoiding sharing personal items) are readily implemented by all clients regardless of means. Educational objective: Hepatitis A is spread via the fecal-oral route. Therefore, hygienic practices (eg, hand hygiene, sanitation) are the fastest and most readily available interventions available to prevent the spread of the hepatitis A virus. Needle sharing and unprotected sex should be discouraged, and all children age at least 1 year should receive the hepatitis A vaccine.

The Nurse Teaches a Group of Homeless Community Clients Preventive