What is true about Hepatitis A?

Appeared in: P.CHO-2019

Explanation

This option is correct because all the preceding statements accurately describe Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is indeed a communicable (infectious) disease.
It is caused by a specific virus, the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Its primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route, which includes the consumption of contaminated food and water.

Option A: This statement is true, but it is not the most complete answer. It only describes one aspect of Hepatitis A.
Option B: This statement is true, but it is also an incomplete answer as it only describes the mode of transmission.
Option C: This statement is true, but it is an incomplete answer as it only identifies the causative agent.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Characteristics and transmission of Hepatitis A as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the transmission of Hepatitis A is crucial for nurses to implement effective infection control measures, such as contact precautions and meticulous hand hygiene, especially in hospital and community settings.
Patient education is a key nursing role. Nurses must educate patients, families, and communities on prevention strategies like vaccination, safe food preparation, and access to clean water to reduce the incidence of outbreaks.
What if? If a patient diagnosed with Hepatitis A is a food handler, this becomes a public health emergency. The nurse must ensure the patient is immediately restricted from work and that the case is reported to local public health authorities to trace contacts and prevent a widespread outbreak.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question stem carefully: 'What is true about Hepatitis A?'. This asks for a correct statement.
Next, evaluate each option independently based on your knowledge.
Option A: 'It is a communicable disease.' Recall that Hepatitis A is infectious and spreads between people. This is true.
Option B: 'It spreads through contaminated food and water.' This is the classic fecal-oral route of transmission for Hepatitis A. This is true.
Option C: 'It spreads from Hepatitis A virus.' The causative agent is indeed the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). This is true.
When you identify that multiple options (A, B, and C) are all factually correct, look for an 'All of these' or 'All of the above' option. Since Option D is 'All of these', it is the most comprehensive and correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 31-33

Practise the full P.CHO-2019

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