Mode of transmission of Hepatitis A is?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an enterovirus, and its primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route.
This occurs through the ingestion of food, water, or other items contaminated with microscopic amounts of stool from an infected person.
The virus is shed in the feces of infected individuals, often starting before symptoms appear, which facilitates its spread in communities with poor sanitation or hygiene.

Option B: Transmission through blood products is extremely rare for Hepatitis A. The viremic phase (virus in the blood) is brief.
Option C: While Hepatitis A can be transmitted through certain sexual activities (e.g., oral-anal contact), it is not considered its primary mode of transmission.
Option D: Casual skin contact does not transmit the Hepatitis A virus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mode of transmission for viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis A as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in public health education to prevent Hepatitis A outbreaks. Key teaching points include meticulous hand hygiene, food safety, and the benefits of vaccination.
In a clinical setting, nurses must implement contact precautions (enteric precautions) for patients with Hepatitis A, especially if they are diapered or incontinent, to prevent nosocomial spread.
What if? If a patient diagnosed with Hepatitis A works as a food handler, the situation becomes a public health emergency. The nurse has a duty to ensure this information is reported to the appropriate public health authorities to prevent a large-scale outbreak. The worker must be restricted from their job until they are no longer infectious.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of infectious diseases.
First, identify the specific pathogen in the question: Hepatitis A.
Recall the different types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) and their distinct primary modes of transmission. A common exam pitfall is confusing them.
Mentally categorize the viruses. A helpful mnemonic is: 'Vowels come from the bowels' (Hepatitis A and E are fecal-oral). Hepatitis B, C, and D are primarily transmitted through blood and body fluids.
Evaluate each option based on this categorization. 'Faeco-oral route' directly matches the transmission mode for Hepatitis A.
Eliminate the other options by associating them with other diseases: blood products (Hepatitis C/B), sexual contact (Hepatitis B).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Mode of transmission for viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis A.
Stem keywords: Hepatitis A, Mode of transmission
Lead-in keywords: is

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) pp. 62-64, 66-68

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

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