Which describes the three levels of prevention?

Which describes the three levels of prevention?

• A. Primary prevents disease before it occurs
• B. Secondary detects early to prevent progression
• C. Tertiary reduces harm after disease onset
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Prevention has three levels defined by when they act relative to disease. Primary prevention aims to stop a disease from developing in the first place by removing risk factors and promoting health—think vaccination, healthy lifestyle changes, and sanitation. Secondary prevention is about finding disease early so treatment can prevent progression—screening tests and early diagnosis fall here. Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing harm and disability once disease is already present—rehabilitation and ongoing disease management to minimize complications. Each line describes one level, so together they cover the full approach to prevention. That’s why all of the above is the best answer. For example, immunizing a child is primary, screening a healthy adult is secondary, and rehab after a stroke is tertiary.

Prevention has three levels defined by when they act relative to disease. Primary prevention aims to stop a disease from developing in the first place by removing risk factors and promoting health—think vaccination, healthy lifestyle changes, and sanitation. Secondary prevention is about finding disease early so treatment can prevent progression—screening tests and early diagnosis fall here. Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing harm and disability once disease is already present—rehabilitation and ongoing disease management to minimize complications. Each line describes one level, so together they cover the full approach to prevention. That’s why all of the above is the best answer. For example, immunizing a child is primary, screening a healthy adult is secondary, and rehab after a stroke is tertiary.