The As, Bs, Cs, Ds, & Es of hepatitis

1. Hepatitis may be caused by a variety of agents, including viruses (e.g., hepatitis A-E viruses) and certain chemicals (e.g., acute toxic hepatitis from exposure to hepatotoxins). Hepatitis also may occur secondary to other illnesses (e.g., tuberculosis, bilary obstruction, etc.). 2. The nurse needs to be aware of potential etiologies, modes of transmission, and the clinical course associated with the various types of hepatitis. 3. Hepatitis is often preventable. The nurse should be aware of control measures for viral hepatitis which include pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccinations, the use of universal precautions, proper hygiene practices, and cautious eating and drinking. Control of chemical exposures in the workplace reduces the risk of developing acute toxic hepatitis.