Chronic Viral Hepatitis Essay

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Chronic viral hepatitis(CVH) is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the liver due to either hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis c (HCV) or hepatitis d (HDV) , occurring over more than 3 to 6 months. Chronic viral hepatitis is the main cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepato cellular cancer (Porth, p962). According to a media report on “the rising burden of chronic liver disease a high price to pay ";liver disease affects more than 6 million Australians and costs the government $50.7 annually. Marriott (2013) stated that chronic viral hepatitis is still referred to as the silent epidemic due to lack or low levels of risk awareness. The manifestations and changes that occur in the liver and treatment options will be further explored to provide awareness of the condition.

Aetiology
The most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis is hepatitis b and hepatitis c, delta virus with hepatitis b can cause CVH (LeMore et al, p716). As evidence shows in patients transplanted for idiopathic fulminant hepatitis develop CVH through they are still to discover the viruses.

Risk factors
Clients who are at high risk of acquiring chronic viral hepatitis are listed below

Risk factors for suspected chronic viral hepatitis (British Columbia Medical Association 2012)
High risk sexual activity or sexual partner with viral hepatitis
Immigration from hepatitis b and or c endemic countries
Recipient of unscreened blood products
Children born to mothers with chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Tattoos and body piercing
History of incarceration
HVI or other sexually transmitted infections
Household with an infected person especially if personal items like razors, nail clippers or tooth brushes are shared
Haemodialysis

Pathophysiology
The liv...

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...ons of HBV and HCV end up with cirrhosis which develops to hepatocellular carcinoma therefore they should be vaccinated (LeMone et al, p719).

Health promotion and education

The clients with CVH may experience anxiety, social isolation therefore they may be need for referral to support services or counselling centres and they should be informed about telephone help lines and community organisations ( ) . Patients experience nausea and may have intolerance to some food and drinks and therefore need to be educated about the importance of high protein diet .Nurses need to stress the importance of infection control that is hand washing and use of condoms Skin integrity should be maintained due to presence of rashes and itchiness which affect body image (LeMone et al,p721).Alcohol and smoking decrease response to treatment therefore should be avoided(Amanetal,2012).

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