A PATIENT WHO IS A CHRONIC HEPATITIS B CARRIER DELIVERS VAGINALLY AT 39 WEEKS’ GESTATION. THE BABY SHOULD RECEIVE WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING THERAPIES ON THE FIRST DAY OF LIFE

• A. Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)
• B. Hepatitis B vaccination
• C. HBIG and hepatitis B vaccination ✓
• D. None of the above

In the scenario described, where a chronic hepatitis B carrier delivers vaginally at 39 weeks’ gestation, the baby should receive both Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccination on the first day of life. This is recommended to provide passive immunity through HBIG and active immunity through vaccination against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Infants born to mothers who are chronic carriers of hepatitis B are at high risk of becoming infected themselves. Therefore, it is crucial to administer both HBIG and hepatitis B vaccination to the newborn as soon as possible after birth to prevent transmission of the virus and protect the infant from developing chronic hepatitis B infection.

HBIG contains antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, providing immediate protection to the infant. On the other hand, hepatitis B vaccination stimulates the infant’s immune system to produce its antibodies against the virus for long-term protection.

In other words, when a patient who is a chronic hepatitis B carrier delivers vaginally at 39 weeks’ gestation, the baby should receive both Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccination on the first day of life. This is recommended to prevent vertical transmission of the hepatitis B virus from the mother to the newborn.

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is a passive form of immunization that provides immediate protection against the hepatitis B virus. It contains antibodies that can neutralize the virus and prevent infection. Administering HBIG to the newborn soon after birth can help reduce the risk of transmission of the virus from an infected mother.

In addition to HBIG, hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended for newborns born to mothers who are chronic hepatitis B carriers. The vaccine stimulates the baby’s immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, providing long-term protection against infection.