The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of hepatitis that was found when the patient was having a preoperative assessment for a routine colonoscopy. The patient states, "I don't feel ill, but my healthcare provider tells me I am infectious and can spread this illness to others." The patient has a distant history of injection drug use. Based on this information, the nurse seeks information regarding the most likely cause of the patient's hepatitis which is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through IV drug use, so the patient's history of injection drug use makes it the most likely cause of their hepatitis. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, and hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis D can only occur in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a New