The mode of transmission of Hepatitis C is

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Microbiology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen, meaning its primary mode of transmission is through contact with infected blood.
This occurs via percutaneous (through the skin) exposure, such as sharing contaminated needles for intravenous drug use.
Other significant routes include occupational exposure in healthcare (e.g., needlestick injuries) and receiving unscreened blood or blood products.
While sexual and perinatal (mother-to-child) transmission can occur, they are considered inefficient or less common routes for HCV compared to blood exposure.

Option A: The fecal-oral route involves the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Option B: Droplet nuclei are responsible for airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a valid mode of transmission for Hepatitis C is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mode of transmission for Hepatitis C virus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must strictly adhere to Standard Precautions for all patients to prevent occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens like HCV. This includes consistent hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection and sharps disposal practices.
Patient education is a key nursing role. For patients diagnosed with Hepatitis C, nurses must provide clear instructions on how to prevent transmission to others, such as not sharing razors, toothbrushes, or needles.
What if? If a nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a patient with an unknown Hepatitis C status, the post-exposure protocol must be initiated immediately. This involves testing both the source patient and the nurse at baseline and then performing follow-up testing for the nurse to monitor for seroconversion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the transmission route of a specific disease, Hepatitis C.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base on infectious diseases and their modes of transmission.
Recall the different types of viral hepatitis. A useful mnemonic is 'Vowels from the bowels,' which means Hepatitis A and E are transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
This mnemonic helps you eliminate 'Fecal oral route' and narrows down the possibilities for Hepatitis C, which is known to be transmitted through blood and body fluids.
Evaluate the remaining options. 'Droplet nuclei' is for airborne respiratory diseases. 'Contaminated Blood' directly aligns with the known transmission route for Hepatitis C.
Confirm your choice. Hepatitis C is a well-known blood-borne virus. Therefore, select 'Contaminated Blood' as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 pp. 559-561, 556-558