A nurse is preparing to administer prescribed medication to a client exposed to hepatitis A. Which information should the nurse provide to this client?

Question

1. I am giving you HAV vaccine.
2. You will likely need another injection, or booster, in 6 months.
3. I am giving you hepatitis A immunoglobulin (HAIg).
4. This injection may keep you from contracting hepatitis A.
5. You will not need to worry about contracting hepatitis A for the next 5 to 8 years.

Answer 1

3,4
Rationale 1: The vaccine is given to prevent hepatitis A but is not the likely medication given when exposure is documented.
Rationale 2: Boosters are given for immunizations, not treatments after exposure is documented.
Rationale 3: Postexposure treatment includes administration of hepatitis A immunoglobulin.
Rationale 4: Immunoglobulins are about 85% effective at preventing HAV.
Rationale 5: The vaccine has a 5- to 8-year window of effectiveness, but that is not likely what this client is receiving.
Global Rationale: Postexposure treatment includes administration of hepatitis A immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulins are about 85% effective at preventing HAV. The vaccine is given to prevent hepatitis A but is not the likely medication given when exposure is documented. Boosters are given for immunizations, not treatments after exposure is documented. The vaccine has a 5- to 8-year window of effectiveness, but that is not likely what this client is receiving.