What client statement supports a diagnosis of hepatitis A?

A statement about having eaten shellfish at a local restaurant about two weeks ago supports a diagnosis of hepatitis A because this virus is commonly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly shellfish from infected waters. Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection that can result from ingesting food that has been handled by an infected person or from contaminated sources. The timing mentioned in the statement aligns with the incubation period for hepatitis A, which typically ranges from 15 to 50 days, with symptoms often appearing around two to four weeks following exposure.

In contrast, the first statement regarding unprotected sex does not specifically connect to hepatitis A transmission, as it is primarily spread through fecal-oral routes rather than sexual contact. The mention of intravenous drug use in the third statement is more applicable to hepatitis B or C, as these are bloodborne viruses predominantly spread through shared needles. Lastly, the reference to a blood transfusion from 30 years ago focuses on a different risk factor for hepatitis B and C rather than A, especially considering the advancements in blood screening since the early 1990s that have significantly reduced the risk of viral transmission via transfusions.