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How soon after experiencing jaundice can a patient who had Hepatitis A be treated?
1 day
1 week
2 weeks
1 month
The correct answer is: 1 week
In the case of Hepatitis A, the optimal time frame for administering treatment, particularly post-exposure prophylaxis, is ideally within the first two weeks following exposure to the virus. Once jaundice appears, it indicates that the disease is already well-established within the patient, but treatment such as immunoglobulin can still be effective if administered within this timeframe. Jaundice typically appears about 2 to 6 weeks after infection, but early intervention during the first week following exposure can prevent illness or reduce the severity of symptoms. Therefore, if a patient is jaundiced and has a history suggesting Hepatitis A infection, initiating treatment within one week can still provide some benefits, making this timing significant in the management of the disease. Beyond this period, the efficacy of treatment diminishes, and thus the one-week mark is critical in enhancing patient outcomes after jaundice develops.