What information should a nurse reinforce regarding transmission precautions for a client with hepatitis C?

What information should a nurse reinforce regarding transmission precautions for a client with hepatitis C?

• A. Avoid sharing meals with family members.
• B. Avoid sharing razors with other family members.
• C. Keep dirty laundry separate.
• D. Limit contact with pets and other animals.

Answer: (B)

When addressing transmission precautions for a client with hepatitis C, the primary focus is on preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens, as hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of not sharing razors with other family members. This is critical because razors can carry small amounts of blood, and sharing them could facilitate transmission of the virus. While the other options might seem relevant, they are less crucial in the context of hepatitis C transmission specifically. For example, sharing meals does not pose a risk because the virus is not transmitted through casual contact or food. Managing dirty laundry is also less significant; while it’s a good practice to maintain hygiene, the virus is not easily spread through clothing. Lastly, limiting contact with pets and other animals is unnecessary for someone with hepatitis C, as the virus cannot be transmitted to or from pets. Thus, the emphasis on avoiding sharing razors best aligns with the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis C.

When addressing transmission precautions for a client with hepatitis C, the primary focus is on preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens, as hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of not sharing razors with other family members. This is critical because razors can carry small amounts of blood, and sharing them could facilitate transmission of the virus.

While the other options might seem relevant, they are less crucial in the context of hepatitis C transmission specifically. For example, sharing meals does not pose a risk because the virus is not transmitted through casual contact or food. Managing dirty laundry is also less significant; while it’s a good practice to maintain hygiene, the virus is not easily spread through clothing. Lastly, limiting contact with pets and other animals is unnecessary for someone with hepatitis C, as the virus cannot be transmitted to or from pets. Thus, the emphasis on avoiding sharing razors best aligns with the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis C.