Question

A public health nurse is planning care for four clients. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recognize as tertiary prevention?

A) Providing a flu vaccine to a group of seniors at a community center
B) Offering smoking cessation classes to individuals at a local health clinic
C) Administering antibiotics to a client who has AIDS and was diagnosed with pneumocystis jiroveci
D) Educating a new mother on proper breastfeeding techniques

Answer 1

The intervention recognized as tertiary prevention is offering smoking cessation classes to individuals at a local health clinic, as it helps those already affected by smoking-related health issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tertiary prevention in public health refers to actions taken to manage disease impacts, prevent complications, and restore health after a disease or injury has occurred. In the case of a public health nurse planning care for clients, offering smoking cessation classes to individuals at a local health clinic represents tertiary prevention. These classes aim to support individuals who are already affected by the health consequences of smoking and assist them in quitting to prevent further health deterioration or complications.

Interventions such as smoking cessation programs are crucial because they directly address the critical problems of chronic diseases related to tobacco use. These programs are an example of strategies that design sustainable health education and disease prevention interventions leading to better health outcomes. They not only help individuals to cease harmful habits but also educate them on the risks of smoking and provide support for maintaining a smoke-free life.