In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

An anxious 34-year-old nurse currently employed at the local hospital comes into the office with complaints of fatigue, stomach pain, and vomiting. While talking with the patient, you notice a yellowish color to her skin and eyes. The patient confides in you that the required vaccination for her job description was never administered. The physician diagnoses the patient with hepatitis.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. Which type of hepatitis does this patient probably have?

2. What are two medical terms for the yellowish discoloration you observed?

3. How long might the patient expect to suffer from the symptoms of the acute phase of the illness?

4. Could this disease have been prevented? If so, how?