Ma. Jessel D.

Pabrigar
BSN3-LADY OF HOPE
ACTIVITY: 18

“HEPATITIS E”
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis E is an enterically transmitted infection that is typically self-limited.  It is
caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and is spread by fecally contaminated water
within endemic areas or through the consumption of uncooked or undercooked
meat.

Causes/Risk factors
CAUSES
Most cases of hepatitis E are caused by drinking water contaminated by fecal
matter. Living in or traveling to countries with poor sanitation can increase your
risk. This is especially true in overcrowded areas.

RISK FACTORS
Common risk factors in the development of hepatitis e include contamination of
water supplies, poor sanitation, ingestion of undercooked meat and shellfish,
travel to regions where HEV is endemic, and chronic liver disease.

SYMPTOMS
If a person develops symptoms of hepatitis E, they show up within several weeks
of exposure. They include:

 yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

  dark urine
 joint pain
 a loss of appetite
 pain in the abdomen
 liver enlargement
 acute liver failure
 nausea
 vomiting
 fatigue
 fever

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose hepatitis E, your doctor will do a blood test to look for antibodies to
the virus. Diagnosis can be challenging because distinguishing between different
forms of hepatitis is difficult.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

For people who have severe acute illness and who are not pregnant, treatment
with the medication ribavirin for 21 days has resulted in improved liver function in
some small studies.

If hepatitis E is suspected and your immune system is not suppressed, you may
not need medications. A doctor may advise you to rest, drink plenty of fluids,
avoid alcohol, and practice good hygiene until the infection subsides.

NURSING INTERVENTION

1. Monitor hydration through intake and output.

2. Monitor prothrombin time and for signs of bleeding.
3. Encourage the patient to eat meals in a sitting position to reduce pressure
on the liver.
4. Encourage pleasing meals in an environment with minimal noxious stimuli
(odors, noise, and interruptions).
5. Teach self-administration of antiemetics as prescribed.
6. Encourage rest during symptomatic phase, according to level of fatigue.
7. Encourage diversional activities when recovery and convalescence are
prolonged.
8. Encourage gradual resumption of activities and mild exercise during
convalescent period.
9. Stress importance of proper public and home sanitation and proper
preparation and dispensation of foods.
10. Encourage specific protection for close contacts.
11. Explain precautions about transmission and prevention of transmission to
others to the patient and family.
12. Warn the patient to avoid trauma that may cause bruising.
13. Stress the need to follow precautions with blood and secretions until the
patient is deemed free of HBsAg.
14. Emphasize that most hepatitis is self-limiting, but follow up is needed for
liver function tests.

COMPLICATIONS
Complications include contracting a long-lasting version of the infection,
neurological disorders, and severe liver damage or liver failure, which could
potentially be fatal. Pregnant people are a notable at-risk group. Hepatitis E can
affect both the parent and possibly their unborn child