A client is diagnosed with hepatitis, and the nurse is discussing the disease classification. What is the main difference between acute and chronic hepatitis?

A.

Choice A rationale:

Choice A is incorrect because the hepatitis A vaccine provides active immunity, not passive immunity. Active immunity means that the body produces its antibodies in response to the vaccine, providing long-term protection against the virus.

Choice B rationale:

The hepatitis A vaccine is indeed recommended for travelers to areas with high prevalence of hepatitis

A. It helps protect travelers from acquiring the virus through contaminated food and water in regions where hepatitis A is more common.

Choice C rationale:

Choice C is incorrect because the hepatitis A vaccine is effective in preventing hepatitis A in close contacts of infected individuals. Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure for those who are in close contact with infected individuals, as it can help halt the spread of the virus.

Choice D rationale:

Choice D is incorrect because the hepatitis A vaccine is not given within 12 hours of birth to newborns of hepatitis A positive mothers. The vaccination schedule for hepatitis A vaccine varies depending on the country's recommendations but is typically given starting at 12-23 months of age.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Chronic hepatitis is a condition where liver inflammation lasts for more than six months. If hepatitis lasts less than six months, it is referred to as acute hepatitis.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Chronic hepatitis can be caused by enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, specifically hepatitis B and C viruses. Non-enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, like the norovirus, can cause acute gastroenteritis, but not chronic hepatitis.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is correct. Chronic hepatitis, particularly caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, can lead to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is essential to manage chronic hepatitis carefully to prevent these severe outcomes.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Chronic hepatitis is not primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis A virus is transmitted through contaminated food or water and primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis B and C viruses are commonly transmitted through blood contact, sexual contact, and from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.