What is the main cause of Hepatitis C spread?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily a blood-borne infection.
The most common mode of transmission is percutaneous, meaning through the skin via direct contact with infected blood.
Key examples include sharing needles for intravenous drug use, accidental needlestick injuries in healthcare, and receiving unscreened blood transfusions before 1992.

Option A: The fecal-oral route is the primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E, typically through contaminated food or water.
Option B: Droplet nuclei are responsible for airborne transmission of diseases like tuberculosis and measles, not for any type of hepatitis.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer, 'Contaminated blood', is provided in the options.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hepatitis C transmission route as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must strictly adhere to Standard Precautions, treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious to prevent occupational exposure to HCV.
Sharps safety is paramount. Never recap used needles and dispose of them immediately in designated puncture-resistant containers to prevent needlestick injuries.
What if a patient reports a history of receiving a blood transfusion before 1992? The nurse should recognize this as a significant risk factor for HCV, as routine screening of the blood supply for HCV began around that time, and advocate for patient screening.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: the 'main cause' of 'Hepatitis C' spread.
Second, recall the different modes of disease transmission (e.g., blood-borne, airborne, fecal-oral).
Third, access your knowledge about the specific transmission routes for different types of hepatitis. Remember that Hepatitis C is primarily blood-borne.
Fourth, evaluate each option. 'Fecal oral route' is for Hepatitis A/E. 'Droplet nuclei' is for airborne diseases. 'Contaminated blood' directly matches the primary route for Hepatitis C.
Finally, select the option that represents the most common and significant route of transmission.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 897-899

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 pp. 556-558, 558-560

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

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