Hepatisis Example

Hepatisis Example Hepatisis – Coursework Example Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis B and C are some of the common and potentially fatal hepatitis category diseases. There are certain similarities governing both of these diseases. Transmission of the hepatitis C virus occurs through blood-to-blood contact. In certain situations, contact of body fluids such as seamen during sex with an infected person may lead to the transmission of hepatitis C virus. The sharing of piercing equipment is a leading avenue for the transmission of the virus. On the other hand, transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs through body fluids such as seamen, virginal secretions, and blood. Common symptoms of hepatitis B include anorexia, fatigue, low-grade fever, vomiting, nausea, disturbances in sleep pattern, gastrointestinal bleeding, and mental confusion. The clinical presentation of hepatitis B is through the presence of the following jaundice, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, Palmar erythema, spider nevi, muscle wasting, spider angiomas , myocarditis, pericarditis, and diffuse intravascular coagulation (Shih, 2011). On the other hand, hepatitis C may prove to be asymptomatic. However, some patients present symptoms such as decompensated liver disease symptoms, paresthesias, myalgias, sicca syndrome, arthralgias, and jaundice. Currently, vaccination for hepatitis B has been developed and infants who are at the risk of contracting the virus through mother to child should receive the vaccine. In addition, other individuals at a higher risk of being infected should seek the vaccine. Acute hepatitis B requires first-line oral therapy (p. 43). Nursing care should ensure that there is proper monitoring of the patient through blood tests in order to prevent the occurrence of a chronic case. Nursing care of patients with chronic hepatitis presenting liver damage should ensure a dietary restriction that involves low sodium and high protein diets. Treatment of acute hepatitis seeks to prevent the progression of the disease an d minimize the chances of transmission. On the other hand, hepatitis C does not have any vaccine now. However, patients with acute hepatitis C can receive standard therapy of six months, which proves to be highly effective. Treatment of comprises of a combination of antiviral drugs as well as HCV protease and polymerase inhibitors. Serious cases of hepatitis C may require a liver transplant. Both hepatitis B and C can trigger serious liver damages (p. 87). Since different viruses cause the two diseases, the types of treatments vary according to the genotype of the virus.ReferenceShih, C. (2011). Chronic hepatitis B and C: Basic science to clinical applications. Singapore: World Scientific.