What should be the priority assessment for a client who uses heroin?

What should be the priority assessment for a client who uses heroin?

• A. Hepatitis
• B. Peptic ulcers
• C. Hypertension
• D. Chronic pharyngitis

Answer: (A)

In the context of a client who uses heroin, the priority assessment focuses on hepatitis because intravenous drug use significantly increases the risk of contracting hepatitis viruses, particularly Hepatitis B and C. These viruses can be transmitted through shared needles and other drug paraphernalia, posing a critical risk to the client’s liver health. Assessing for liver function and symptoms of hepatitis, such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain, is essential as hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage, chronic infection, and is a significant public health concern. While peptic ulcers, hypertension, and chronic pharyngitis may also be relevant health issues in clients who abuse substances, they do not pose the immediate or severe risk associated with hepatitis. Peptic ulcers can result from various factors including stress and medication use, hypertension can be influenced by numerous lifestyle choices, and chronic pharyngitis may develop from smoking or other irritants. However, the acute nature of hepatitis and its potential for life-threatening complications make it the priority in this context, emphasizing the necessity for proactive monitoring and assessment in individuals with substance use disorders.

In the context of a client who uses heroin, the priority assessment focuses on hepatitis because intravenous drug use significantly increases the risk of contracting hepatitis viruses, particularly Hepatitis B and C. These viruses can be transmitted through shared needles and other drug paraphernalia, posing a critical risk to the client’s liver health. Assessing for liver function and symptoms of hepatitis, such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain, is essential as hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage, chronic infection, and is a significant public health concern.

While peptic ulcers, hypertension, and chronic pharyngitis may also be relevant health issues in clients who abuse substances, they do not pose the immediate or severe risk associated with hepatitis. Peptic ulcers can result from various factors including stress and medication use, hypertension can be influenced by numerous lifestyle choices, and chronic pharyngitis may develop from smoking or other irritants. However, the acute nature of hepatitis and its potential for life-threatening complications make it the priority in this context, emphasizing the necessity for proactive monitoring and assessment in individuals with substance use disorders.