Answer Happy

The patient is admitted to the emergency department of the local hospital from home with reports
of chest discomfort and shortness of breath. The patient is placed on oxygen, has labs and blood
gases drawn, and is given an electrocardiogram and breathing treatments. Which level of preventive
care is this patient receiving?

a. Primary prevention
b. Secondary prevention
c. Tertiary prevention
d. Health promotion
ANS: B
Secondary prevention focuses on individuals who are experiencing health problems or illnesses and
who are at risk for developing complications or worsening conditions. Activities are directed at
diagnosis and prompt intervention. Primary prevention precedes disease or dysfunction and is
applied to people considered physically and emotionally healthy. Health promotion includes health
education programs, immunizations, and physical and nutritional fitness activities for healthy people.
Tertiary prevention occurs when a defect or disability is permanent and irreversible. It involves
minimizing the effects of long-term disease or disability through interventions directed at preventing
complications and deterioration