A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about preventing the transmission of hepatitis A. The nurse should identify that hepatitis A is transmitted by which of the following routes?

Choice A reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first address the client's comfort and inflammation before teaching them how to use the eye drops.

Choice B reason:Option B (warm compresses)is a key intervention for blepharitis to improve meibomian gland function and reduce crusting. However, assessment (Option D) must precede treatment to ensure no contraindications (e.g., corneal abrasion) and tailor care appropriately.

Choice C reason: This is a helpful action, but not the first one. The nurse should first apply warm compresses to the affected eye, and then dim the lights to reduce the sensitivity and pain.

Choice D reason:Thefirst stepin the nursing process isassessment. Even with a diagnosis of blepharitis, the nurse mustinspect the eyesto evaluate the current severity, presence of drainage (e.g., purulent vs. serous), redness, or signs of secondary infection (e.g., bacterial involvement). This informs subsequent interventions.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect route, because maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis A is very rare and occurs only if the mother has acute hepatitis A during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Choice B reason: This is the correct route, because fecal-oral contamination of hepatitis A is the most common mode of transmission. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contact with infected feces.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect route, because genital sexual contact of hepatitis A is uncommon and occurs only if there is oral-anal contact with an infected person.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect route, because blood to blood transmission of hepatitis A is also uncommon and occurs only if there is exposure to infected blood or blood products, such as through needle sharing or transfusion.