Question 1

A client suspected of having hepatitis C asks the nurse why cultures are being obtained when hepatitis is a virus. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C viruses can be cultured in the laboratory, therefore obtaining a culture can confirm the presence of the virus and help identify the genotype of the virus. Cultures are not needed to rule out bacterial infections as hepatitis C is caused by a virus, not bacteria. There is no known strain of hepatitis C that is a combination of a bacteria and virus.

Question 2

Which information should the nurse include in the client teaching about pharmacotherapy for influenza?

Accepted Answer

Antiviral prescriptions, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are used to treat active influenza infections and are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Question 3

A pregnant client with HIV receiving zidovudine asks the nurse why they will not test the newborn for HIV immediately after birth. Which response should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

Zidovudine can affect the accuracy of HIV tests immediately after birth, so testing is typically delayed to ensure more reliable results.

Question 4

For a client receiving zidovudine (Retrovir), for which adverse reactions should the nurse increase surveillance? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Adverse reactions of zidovudine (Retrovir) include fatigue and generalized weakness, new onset headache, and liver abnormalities (palpable on physical examination or elevated liver function tests). Constipation and edema are not commonly associated with zidovudine.

Question 5

Which information should the nurse provide the client prescribed oseltamivir (Tamiflu)? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an oral medication, not inhaled, used for the treatment of influenza. It is most effective when taken soon after symptoms begin, hence the advice to take it immediately. It does not prevent flu infection but can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. It is also known to be relatively expensive. It is not effective against the common cold, as it specifically targets influenza viruses.

Question 6

A client recovering from hepatitis B asks the nurse if he is immune to hepatitis B. Which information should the nurse provide the client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A person who recovers from hepatitis B typically develops immunity to the virus, preventing reinfection. However, chronic hepatitis B can develop over time, so monitoring is important.

Question 7

A client with hepatitis C asks the nurse what his chance is of developing chronic hepatitis C. Which information should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

The majority of individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop chronic infection, with approximately 70% of those infected progressing to chronic hepatitis C. This progression rate is well-documented in medical literature, indicating that the risk of chronic hepatitis C is not primarily determined by factors such as individual immunity or compliance with initial treatment, but rather by the nature of the virus itself.

Question 8

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching for a client prescribed hepatitis A immunoglobulin after being exposed to hepatitis A?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should include the information that the hepatitis A immunoglobulin injection may keep the client from contracting hepatitis A. The other options are not relevant to the client's current situation.

Question 9

Which statements should the supervisor use to respond to a newly employed nurse who states, "I am not certain I want to get a hepatitis shot"? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Working in a hospital increases the risk of exposure to hepatitis B, making vaccination important for healthcare workers.C) The hepatitis B vaccine is indeed administered to children before they are 2 years old, indicating its safety and efficacy from a young age.E) The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective, with about a 90% effectiveness rate in preventing the disease, highlighting the benefits of receiving the vaccine.

Question 10

Which individual should receive a hepatitis B vaccine? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

All newborn infants are recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine as part of routine immunization. Clients with HIV are at higher risk for infections, including hepatitis B, and should be vaccinated. People who are incarcerated are at increased risk for hepatitis B due to potential exposure in the prison environment.

Quiz 37: Drugs for Viral Infections