The nurse is caring for a patient with hepatitis C who is ...

[sabina]

The nurse is caring for a patient with hepatitis C who is treating the illness with licorice root. Which statement by the patient requires follow-up regarding this medication?
 
  1. I feel so tired all the time.
  2. My fingers feel numb and tingly.
  3. I have a dull ache in my abdomen.
  4. I have antibodies for hepatitis C in my blood.

Question 2

A patient who returned from a humanitarian trip to Central America 2 weeks ago is jaundiced and diagnosed with hepatitis A. The patient is the parent of three school-age children. Which patient statement should the nurse follow up with the patient?
 
  1. I can't go home and expose my children to this.
  2. We cared for several very ill people on our trip.
  3. I plan to get a lot of rest in the next few days.
  4. I am likely to recover fully eventually.

[Amiracle]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Herbalists may use licorice root to treat hepatitis. It has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term use of licorice root, however, can lead to hypertension and affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Reports of numbness and tingling in the fingers may be a sign of electrolyte imbalance. Feeling tired is expected in a patient with hepatitis C. A dull ache in the abdomen is often seen in patients with hepatitis. It is expected that this patient would have antibodies to hepatitis C in the blood.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Once jaundice develops, the amount of virus in the stool and the risk of spreading the disease decrease significantly. The nurse should teach that the patient was likely more contagious in the last 2 weeks than at the current time. This disease is spread through the fecaloral route. It is likely the patient contracted the illness on the trip. Rest is recommended for the patient with hepatitis A. Full recovery is the typical scenario with this illness.

[sabina]

Thank you

[Amiracle]

Happy to help you