Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which type of prevention focuses on promoting health before any diseases occur?

1. Secondary Prevention

2. Tertiary Prevention

3. Primary Prevention

4. Quaternary Prevention

The correct answer is: Primary Prevention

Primary prevention focuses on promoting health and preventing diseases before they ever occur. This type of prevention involves measures that aim to reduce the risk factors associated with disease development and enhance overall well-being. Strategies might include immunizations, health education, and lifestyle modifications such as promoting healthy diets and physical activity. Secondary prevention, in contrast, focuses on early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of diseases that have already started, whereas tertiary prevention deals with managing and mitigating the impact of established diseases. Quaternary prevention goes a step further by preventing unnecessary medical interventions and promoting judicious use of healthcare resources, often targeting patients who have already experienced health issues. Thus, primary prevention is essential for establishing a foundation of health and well-being, aiming to reduce the incidence of illness and injuries in the population.