A lab shows positive HBsAg. Which education would be appropriate?

A lab shows positive HBsAg. Which education would be appropriate?

• A. The patient is recovered from a previous Hepatitis B infection and is immune.
• B. Avoid sexual intercourse or kissing until blood work is negative.
• C. The patient is not a candidate for antiviral or interferon medications.
• D. The patient is less likely to develop a chronic infection.

Answer: (B)

Positive HBsAg indicates an active hepatitis B infection and that the person is contagious. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, so sexual activity and even kissing can spread the virus. Education should focus on preventing transmission until the infection clears, which is reflected by HBsAg turning negative on lab work; in practice this means avoiding sexual contact or using barrier methods and encouraging partners to be tested and vaccinated. The other statements don’t fit because a positive HBsAg does not mean immunity or prior recovery, antiviral treatment decisions depend on individual labs and clinical status, and being infectious does not imply a lower or higher inherent risk of chronic infection in that moment.

Positive HBsAg indicates an active hepatitis B infection and that the person is contagious. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, so sexual activity and even kissing can spread the virus. Education should focus on preventing transmission until the infection clears, which is reflected by HBsAg turning negative on lab work; in practice this means avoiding sexual contact or using barrier methods and encouraging partners to be tested and vaccinated. The other statements don’t fit because a positive HBsAg does not mean immunity or prior recovery, antiviral treatment decisions depend on individual labs and clinical status, and being infectious does not imply a lower or higher inherent risk of chronic infection in that moment.