NCLEX® QOTD: MAR HCV

The nurse reviews the medication administration record (MAR) of a client diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Which medication should be present in the MAR to treat this condition? 

A. Prednisone 10 mg PO daily 

B. Metoclopramide 10 mg PO four times daily 30 minutes before meals  

C. Sofosbuvir 400 mg PO daily

D. Fluconazole 400 mg PO once 

The correct answer to today's NCLEX-RN® Question is...

C. Sofosbuvir 400 mg PO daily

Rationale: Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor prescribed to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Major Takeaway

The treatment of hepatitis varies depending on the type and whether it is acute or chronic. For example, clients with autoimmune hepatitis can be treated with corticosteroids to stop the autoimmune response. On the flip side, hepatitis B infection (HBV) infection can be treated with a class of antiviral medications called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which include medications such as adefovir, tenofovir, and entecavir. In contrast, hepatitis c infection (HCV) infection can be treated with nucleotide polymerase inhibitors like sofosbuvir and nucleoside analogs like ribavirin. Lastly, clients with hepatitis B and C infections can also be treated with interferons like peginterferon alfa-2a.

Incorrect answer explanations

A. Prednisone 10 mg PO daily 

Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid prescribed to slow the autoimmune response in clients with autoimmune hepatitis.

B. Metoclopramide 10 mg PO four times daily 30 minutes before meals

Rationale: Metoclopramide is an antiemetic prescribed to treat nausea secondary to an infection, but not effective when treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

D. Fluconazole 400 mg PO once 

Rationale: Fluconazole is an antifungal drug prescribed to treat fungal infections, such as candidiasis, and is not a treatment option for chronic hepatitis C (HCV).

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