In general, what is known about the prevalence of Hepatitis C, and how it can be transmitted? 2. What laboratory results might be abnormal in a patient with Hepatitis C? 3. What are the treatment options? 4. What are the short-term and long-term prognoses?
Julie Rogers, a 47-year-old patient, calls her physician’s office after leaving her workplace because she quite suddenly felt very tired and nauseated and noticed that her urine was dark. An associate at her workplace told Julie that the sclera of her eyes looked “yellow.” When she contacted her physician, she was told to come directly to the physician’s office for evaluation. When she arrived, as a precaution, Julie was taken to an exam room reserved with a protocol for strict infection control. Her vital signs were temperature 101.6, pulse 94, respirations 26, and blood pressure 148/88. Julie stated that her muscles felt sore. A urine specimen was collected and sent to the laboratory. On physical examination, liver enlargement was noted, as well as mild jaundice of the sclera. Julie’s clinical history was unremarkable, except that she mentioned that she had recently spent time at summer camp as a youth counselor. During this time, she was living in close quarters.
Hepatitis was suspected. The laboratory tests included a liver profile, a test for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies in the blood, and an ultrasound of the liver; the results pointed to a diagnosis of Hepatitis C (HCV). A treatment plan to control symptoms was initiated. She was told to rest and eat a well-balanced diet. A liver biopsy was ordered to determine the extent of any liver damage. The rest of the treatment plan would be based on the results of the liver biopsy.
1. In general, what is known about the prevalence of Hepatitis C, and how it can be transmitted?
2. What laboratory results might be abnormal in a patient with Hepatitis C?
3. What are the treatment options?
4. What are the short-term and long-term prognoses?
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