Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding Hepatitis B?

1. It is frequently symptomatic

2. It is almost always asymptomatic

3. It leads to immediate liver failure

4. It is easily cured with medication

The correct answer is: It is almost always asymptomatic

The statement that Hepatitis B is almost always asymptomatic is correct because, in many cases, individuals infected with the virus do not exhibit noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages of the infection. This asymptomatic nature can lead to a prolonged period during which the virus is present in the body without the person's knowledge, increasing the risk of transmission to others. Hepatitis B can lead to chronic infection, but many people do not realize they are carriers because they do not feel sick. This asymptomatic characteristic can make it challenging to diagnose and manage the disease since individuals may not seek medical advice until more serious complications arise. While some acute infections do present with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain, the majority of new infections in healthy adults do not result in these symptoms, thus supporting the idea that the virus is often asymptomatic in many affected individuals. Understanding this aspect of Hepatitis B is crucial for increasing awareness and prevention strategies, especially in environments like salons and spas where estheticians work.