N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide Hepatitis B and C are prevalent in those who have had multiple sexual partners and have used intravenous drugs. It can also be transmitted by accidental needle stick injuries, exposure to blood from broken skin and cuts, and blood transfusions. There are over one quarter million people that have this disease. This disease must be reported to county health departments, although a number of people have the disease and are asymptomatic. Currently, there is a vaccination for Hepatitis B and it is required in most healthcare job settings and in school age children. Hepatitis B: This form of the virus is spread by blood, body fluids, and sexual activity; it can also be passed via breast milk. It is prevalent in the homosexual populations and intravenous drug users. The incubation period is up to five months after contracting the virus. The patient will go through an icteric phase with jaundice shortly after symptoms begin. It then progresses to active hepatitis with symptoms, and then chronic with or without symptoms. Vaccination can help to prevent this disease and its complications which include hepatic encephalopathy, blood clotting disorders (coagulopathy), and liver failure. Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a very serious form of hepatitis and is long lasting and hard to treat. The main mode of transmission is blood via intravenous drug use, cuts, blood transfusions, and donor organs. Blood transfusions and organ transplants are less dangerous in recent times due to extensive testing of the donor. It is important to remember that because this is spread via broken skin that Hepatitis C can also be transmitted by getting tattoos and body piercings. Make sure that patients are taught to inquire about sterilization practices at tattoo shops prior to getting tattoos or body piercings. This virus has a longer incubation period and symptoms may not appear for up to 30 years after contracting the virus. Symptoms can be very subtle and by the time they appear, severe liver damage may have already occurred. There are treatments available but require powerful antiviral medications for up to one year and most patients are non-compliant with the treatment regimen. By the time liver failure has occurred, patients may need a full liver transplant and medications to decrease ammonia levels, increase protein, and injections or blood transfusions for severe clotting problems and anemia. Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: • Fever • Fatigue • Cough • Joint and muscle pain • Rash • Anorexia • GI symptoms • Abdominal pain (right side) • Icterus (jaundice) • Light bowel movements • Darkened urine • Liver pain • Lymph nodes • Enlarged spleen • Cryoglobulinemia ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 49 of 204

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