Hepatitis B can be prevented by?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) provides passive immunity against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
It contains a high concentration of antibodies to HBV (anti-HBs) that offer immediate, though temporary, protection.
HBIG is primarily used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in individuals who have been exposed to the virus, such as through a needlestick injury or at birth to a mother with Hepatitis B.
Unlike a vaccine, which stimulates the body to create its own antibodies (active immunity), HBIG provides pre-formed antibodies directly (passive immunity).

Option A: The Measles vaccine provides active immunity against the measles virus (rubeola), not the Hepatitis B virus.
Option B: The BCG vaccine is used to prevent severe forms of tuberculosis (TB). It has no efficacy against Hepatitis B.
Option C: The DPT vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Tetanus, not Hepatitis B.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prevention of Hepatitis B as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A critical nursing intervention is the prevention of perinatal (mother-to-child) transmission of Hepatitis B.
Newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers must receive both HBIG and the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. These injections must be given at separate sites.
For occupational exposures like a needlestick injury, immediate administration of HBIG (ideally within 24 hours) and initiation of the Hepatitis B vaccine series (if the person is unvaccinated) is the standard protocol.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the prevention of a specific disease: Hepatitis B.
Next, analyze each option provided. The options are all vaccines or immunological products.
Recall or determine the specific disease that each option is designed to prevent.
Eliminate the options that are for unrelated diseases (Measles, BCG for TB, DPT for Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus).
The remaining option is 'HBIG vaccine'. Recognize that HBIG stands for Hepatitis B Immune Globulin and is indeed used for Hepatitis B prevention, specifically for providing immediate passive immunity after exposure.
Even if the term 'vaccine' is used loosely with HBIG, it is the only plausible answer related to Hepatitis B among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 67-69

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.