A healthy 42-year-old client reports no prior hepatitis C testing and no known exposure. Which response should the nurse make?
1Testing is indicated after symptoms of chronic liver disease develop
2Hepatitis C screening applies to adults in your age group without symptoms✓ Correct answer
3Screening is reserved for clients who recall a needlestick or transfusion exposure
4Testing can wait until routine liver enzyme results become persistently abnormal
Explanation
The USPSTF recommends hepatitis C screening for adults ages 18 to 79, including those without recognized risk factors or symptoms. Ongoing risk may require periodic testing after the initial screen.
Quick answer Offer hepatitis C screening to this asymptomatic 42-year-old adult.
Why this is correct Hepatitis C can remain clinically silent while progressive liver injury occurs, and many people do not recognize a past exposure. Age-based screening identifies infection earlier so confirmatory testing, counseling, and curative treatment can follow.
Easy analogy or mental picture Screening is like checking hidden wiring before visible damage appears. It can find an unnoticed problem, but the analogy does not mean every positive antibody result proves current infection; confirmatory RNA testing is needed.
Memory hook Adults 18 through 79 need screening; ongoing risk means repeat screening.
NCLEX decision rule Apply preventive recommendations even when the client feels well and reports no risk. Do not wait for symptoms, abnormal liver enzymes, or a remembered exposure when age-based screening applies.
Why the other choices are wrong Symptoms and abnormal enzymes may appear late. Restricting screening to remembered exposures misses silent infections in adults covered by the age-based recommendation.
References
[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
USPSTF Clinical Summary: Hepatitis C Virus Infection ScreeningU.S. Preventive Services Task Force