hepatitis and HIV Flashcards
What is the function of the liver
- Metabolizing fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates - Detoxifying substances from blood
- Storing fat-soluble vitamins
what is hepatitis
inflammation of the liver
caused by…
-viruses
-hepatitis A to G
-toxins
-alcohol
-drugs
hepatitis signs and symptoms
-jaundice
-abdominal pain
-diahrrea
-itchy skin
-joint and muscle pain
what is cirrhosis of the liver
-scarring
liver tissue replaced by scar tissue
common causes are chronic hepatitis, etOH
signs and symptoms of cirrhosis
-wt loss
-jaundice
-hepatomegaly
-fatigue
what is hepatitis A
-transmitted by improperly prepared/cooked contaminated food or fecal-oral transmission
how to prevent hepatitis A
-standard precautions
-Food Safe
-vaccination
treatment for hepatitis A
-symptomatic only, no cure
-symptoms may be mild
-usually resolves on it’s own
-immunity develops
-no carrier state
what is hepatitis b and c
transmission via blood and body fluids
-sexual intercourse
-sharing needles
-during childbirth (mother to baby)
-health care related needle stick injuries
-bld/body fluid contact
How to prevent hep B and C
standard precautions
-avoid high risk behaviors
-immunization for hep B
-immune globulin for hep B up to 1 wk after
exposure
what is the treatment for hep b and c
-long term (medications)
-sometimes resolves without treatment
-may become chronic
-life-altering
-may lead to death
how to care for a client with hepatitis
supporting healthy lifestyle factors
-diet
-activity
-avoiding substance misuse
-skin hydration/moisture
-care for a client with decrease LOC
-pain relief
-care related to frequent stools/bowel
incontinence
-emotional support
what is HIV
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus
* slowly breaks down the body’s immune system
what is aids
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
acquired – not inherited nor the result of aging
syndrome– a variety of diseases may occur
* believed to be caused by prolonged infection with
HIV
how is HIV transmitted
HIV is transmitted (spread from person to person)
through infected
* blood
* body fluids
it is NOT transmitted by
- saliva
- urine
- sweat - vomit
- stool
body fluids that may contain HIV
semen
vaginal fluids
breast milk
amniotic fluid (fluid that surrounds the baby
in the womb)
wound drainage
most common ways the spread HIV
unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse
sharing needles for steroid or injection drug use
transmission from mother to baby during
pregnancy or at birth, or through breast milk
Transmission requires:
HIV infected blood/body fluid
risk activities
› e.g. unprotected sex
direct access to blood stream
list the stages of HIV
- starts with infection with HIV
- window period – 6 wks to 6 months
› may be mild cold/flu like symptoms for a short
time (1 day to 1 wk) soon after infection
› during the window period, the body is producing
antibodies against HIV - seroconversion – enough antibodies present to
show up on blood test → “HIV positive” - asymptomatic period
immune system is still strong, so may be no
symptoms of infection - symptomatic period
3 – 5 years
HIV more active in the body; immune system
weakened - AIDS
› immune system severely damaged
how to assist people with HIV/AIDS
use standard precautions at all times
(remember—anyone can be infected with HIV or
other microbes)
provide care-giving assistance according to the
specific problem or s&s
provide emotional support
