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Hepatitis C

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16 views11 pages

Hepatitis C

Uploaded by

Sagar raj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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HEPATITIS C

AMRIT RAJ
BSC NURSING 3rd
SEMESTER
Introduction to
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, leading to
inflammation and potential long-term liver damage. Understanding the
basics of this disease is crucial for effective prevention, diagnosis, and
management.
A
a by Amrit
Raj
Definition of Hepatitis C
Viral Infection Chronic Condition
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that In many cases, hepatitis C becomes a
primarily affects the liver. It is caused chronic, lifelong condition that can lead
by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). to serious liver damage if left untreated.

Transmission
Hepatitis C is usually transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as sharing
needles or other drug injection equipment.
Etiology of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is primarily caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a small,
enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the
Hepacivirus genus within the Flaviviridae family. The virus is primarily
transmitted through exposure to infected blood, such as from sharing
needles or syringes, receiving a blood transfusion before 1992, or having
unprotected sex with an infected partner.
Other risk factors for contracting Hepatitis C include receiving tattoos or
piercings with unsterile equipment, sharing personal care items like razors
or toothbrushes with an infected individual, and exposure to contaminated
medical equipment during healthcare procedures.
Pathophysiology of
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) primarily infects the liver, leading to inflammation
and damage. The virus enters liver cells and hijacks their machinery to
replicate, causing cell death and the release of inflammatory mediators.

This immune response leads to progressive liver scarring (fibrosis) and


eventually cirrhosis, which impairs the liver's critical functions. Advanced
disease can also increase the risk of liver cancer.
Clinical Manifestations of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C often presents with non-specific symptoms in the early stages, such as fatigue, nausea, and
abdominal discomfort. As the disease progresses, patients may experience jaundice, dark urine, and
right upper quadrant pain. In severe cases, complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and organ failure
can occur.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Hepatitis C
The diagnostic evaluation of hepatitis C involves several key tests. Blood tests can detect the presence
of hepatitis C antibodies and the hepatitis C virus. Liver function tests measure enzymes that indicate
liver inflammation. Imaging, such as ultrasound or CT scans, can assess liver damage. A liver biopsy
may be performed to evaluate the extent of liver disease.

Blood Tests Detect hepatitis C antibodies and virus


presence

Liver Function Tests Measure enzymes indicating liver inflammation

Imaging Assess liver damage via ultrasound or CT


scan
Liver Biopsy Evaluate extent of liver disease
Medical Management of Hepatitis C
Antiviral Therapy
The primary treatment for chronic hepatitis C is direct-acting antiviral (DAA)
medication, which can cure the infection in over 90% of patients.

Monitoring and Follow-


up
Patients receiving antiviral treatment require regular monitoring of liver function tests
and viral load to assess treatment response and detect any potential side effects.

Lifestyle
Modifications
Supportive care, including abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and
getting adequate rest, can improve outcomes for patients with hepatitis C.
Surgical Management of Hepatitis C

Liver Transplant Minimally Invasive Bleeding


For individuals with advanced Procedures Management
Careful management of
liver disease or liver failure, a Some surgical procedures, like bleeding is crucial during
liver transplant may be liver biopsy or placement of hepatitis C-related surgeries,
necessary. The transplanted portosystemic shunts, can be as the disease can cause
liver is often free of the done using minimally invasive clotting abnormalities.
hepatitis C virus, providing a techniques to reduce risk and Specialized techniques may be
fresh start. recovery time. used to minimize blood loss.
Nursing management of hepatitis C
Monitoring
1
Regularly assess liver function tests, viral load, and side effects.

Education
2 Teach patients about treatment, medication adherence, and
lifestyle changes.

Symptom
3 Management
Provide relief for fatigue, nausea, and other
hepatitis C symptoms.

Nurses play a crucial role in the management of hepatitis C. They closely monitor patients' progress,
including liver function tests and viral load, and promptly address any side effects of treatment. Nurses
also educate patients on the importance of medication adherence and lifestyle modifications to support
their recovery. Additionally, nurses provide compassionate care to alleviate the various symptoms
associated with hepatitis C.
Thank you
Thank you for your time and attention today. We hope this presentation on
Hepatitis C has provided you with a comprehensive overview of this
important health condition. Please let us know if you have any further
questions or if there is anything else we can assist you with.

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