The following was originally published in Preventing Infection in Ambulatory Care, the quarterly e-publication from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), with the article found here. To learn more about receiving Preventing Infection in Ambulatory Care and joining APIC, visit www.apic.org/ambulatorynewsletter. To learn more about APIC, visit www.apic.org.
Note: Please scroll down to find the answers to the following quiz.
1. Outbreaks of hepatitis in ambulatory care settings have most often been traced to:
A. Organic debris on surgical instruments
B. Inadequate steam sterilization practices
C. Mishandling of needles, syringes and vials
D. Infected healthcare workers
2. The clinic patient is known to be an inactive carrier of HBV. Which statement is true?
A. The patient is currently infectious
B. The patient is at risk for reactivation of HBV infection
C. The patient will have mild jaundice and elevated ALTs
D. The patient will show signs of early cirrhosis
3. The patient reports that she had acute HBV infection within the past year. She states that the infection is resolved and that she has no on going, active infection. Which of the following results will support her claim?
A. HBsAg positive
B. HBcAb negative
C. HBeAg negative
D. HBV DNA positive
4. The patient arrives at the ambulatory care center with ongoing symptoms of acute Hepatitis A infection. This patient is most at risk and must be carefully assessed for:
A. Dehydration, Electrolyte Imbalance
B. Hemorrhage, Hypotension
C. Confusion, Loss of Consciousness
D. Neuralgia, Muscle Spasms, Twitching
5. The clinic patient's lab tests are positive for HBsAg and HBV DNA. Based on these results, you know:
A. There is evidence of previous infection but no precautions are needed
B. The patient has active HBV infection and requires precautions
C. The patient has signs of previous exposure but no prior infection
D. The patient has received HBV vaccine in the past
6. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for all of the following groups except:
A. Children age 3 – 6 months
B. Travelers to countries that have high rates of Hepatitis A
C. People who are treated with clotting-factor concentrates
D. Users of injection and non-injection illegal drugs
7. The patient is planning a trip. Which of the following countries indicates a need for vaccination against Hepatitis A?
A. Norway and Sweden
B. Australia
C. Mexico and Brazil
D. Canada
8. How often is HCV infection likely to become chronic?
A. 10-12% of cases
B. 30% of cases
C. 50% of cases
D. > 70% of cases
9. The leading cause for liver transplantation in the United States is:
A. Acute Hepatitis A infection
B. Chronic Hepatitis B infection
C. Chronic Hepatitis C infection
D. Acute Hepatitis B with Superinfection
10. The annual CDC estimated number of new infections in the United States is greatest in:
A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis B
C. Hepatitis C
D. Hepatitis D
Answers:
1) C 2) B 3) C 4) A 5) B 6) A 7) C 8) D 9) C 10 ) B