adult 1: Hep C + HIV Flashcards
What is Hepatitis C?
Inflammation of the liver caused by Hepatitis C virus
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
Blood, sexual contact, or perinatal transmission
When does a person with Hepatitis C become infectious?
1–2 weeks before symptoms appear
Do most Hepatitis C patients recover completely or develop chronic infection?
Most develop chronic HCV
What are the common symptoms of Hepatitis C?
Fatigue, fever, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, light-colored stools
What are the major risk factors for Hepatitis C?
IV drug use and high-risk sexual behavior
What screening is essential for preventing HCV transmission?
Screen blood products and organ donations
What education should be given to prevent HCV?
Risks of needle sharing and unsafe sex
What infection control measures should be taken for HCV?
Standard precautions including avoiding sharing personal items
What comfort measures can help with HCV symptoms?
Itching, headache, and joint pain relief
Why are follow-up visits important for Hepatitis C patients?
To monitor for chronic progression and relapse
What relapse education should be provided to HCV patients?
Teach signs and symptoms of recurrence
Can people with Hepatitis C donate blood?
No, they should not donate blood
What should HCV patients avoid consuming?
Alcohol
What tests are used to diagnose Hepatitis C?
HepC antibody panel, CBC, liver function tests (LFTs)
What medications are prescribed for Hepatitis C?
Antiviral combination therapy and protease inhibitors
What is HIV?
A retrovirus that integrates and replicates in CD4 cells, causing immunosuppression and risk for opportunistic infections (AIDS)
How is HIV transmitted?
Through infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breastmilk
What are the signs/symptoms of acute HIV infection?
Fever, sore throat, headache, malaise, nausea, N/V/D, muscle/joint pain, diffuse rash, high viral load
What is asymptomatic HIV infection like?
May have prodromal symptoms or none at all
What are signs of symptomatic HIV infection?
Persistent fever, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, recurrent headaches, fatigue, oral thrush, shingles, Kaposi sarcoma, EBV, herpes outbreaks
What are major risk factors for HIV?
Men who have sex with men, unprotected sex, IV drug use, and co-existing STIs
What standard precautions should be used for HIV patients?
Use gloves and proper hygiene practices for all patients (standard precautions)
What lifestyle education should HIV patients receive?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent opportunistic infections, adhere to meds, avoid spreading HIV
