A nurse is educating a client newly diagnosed with hepatitis C. Which statement from the nurse best describes how the virus is transmitted?

Choice A rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing symptoms like heartburn. Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While it is used to treat GERD, it is not typically used prophylactically in trauma patients.
Choice B rationale
Stress ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that is particularly common in critically ill or severely stressed patients, such as those with severe trauma like an automobile accident. These ulcers occur when the body’s physical stress leads to increased gastric acid secretion, which can damage the gastric mucosa and lead to ulcers. Protonix, by reducing stomach acid, can help prevent these ulcers in high-risk patients. This is why it is often administered prophylactically in severe trauma cases.
Choice C rationale
Dumping syndrome is a condition that can occur after surgery to remove all or part of your stomach or after surgery to bypass your stomach to help you lose weight. It’s also known as rapid gastric emptying. Protonix is not typically used to prevent dumping syndrome.
Choice D rationale
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. While Protonix can be used to treat gastritis, it is not typically used prophylactically for this condition in trauma patients.

Choice A rationale
Hepatitis C is not typically transmitted through saliva. It is a bloodborne virus, meaning it is most commonly transmitted through exposure to infected blood.
Choice B rationale
Hepatitis C is most commonly transmitted through exposure to infected blood. This can occur through sharing drug injection equipment, receiving a tattoo or piercing at a place with poor infection control, and other ways. Coming into contact with infected blood, such as from a used needle, is a common way the virus is transmitted.
Choice C rationale
Hepatitis C is not typically transmitted through consuming contaminated food or water. It is a bloodborne virus.
Choice D rationale
While it is possible to contract Hepatitis C by sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors with an infected person, this is less common. The virus is most commonly transmitted through exposure to infected blood.