Which of the following is an example of primary prevention in community health?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent diseases before they occur. Promoting hand hygiene to prevent disease falls under primary prevention as it targets the root cause of disease transmission. By educating individuals on proper handwashing techniques, the spread of infections can be minimized. Encouraging vaccination (choice A) is considered secondary prevention as it aims to prevent progression of existing diseases. Providing blood pressure screenings (choice B) falls under secondary prevention by detecting hypertension early. Providing treatment for individuals with hypertension (choice D) is tertiary prevention, focusing on managing existing conditions to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. Encouraging individuals to eat a heart-healthy diet is the best strategy as it addresses the root cause of heart disease by promoting healthy eating habits. This helps reduce the risk factors associated with heart disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. Offering cholesterol screenings (B) and promoting physical activity to reduce weight (C) are secondary prevention strategies that aim to detect and manage existing risk factors. Advocating for smoking cessation (D) is important but focuses on reducing the risk of other health issues, not specifically heart disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing education on the risks of substance abuse. This is a community health initiative as it aims to prevent substance abuse by raising awareness about the dangers associated with it. Education can empower individuals to make informed decisions and resist the temptation to use substances. Offering drug treatment programs (A) and providing counseling for individuals with substance use disorders (D) are interventions targeting those already affected, not prevention. Advocating for policies to reduce availability (C) is important but not a direct prevention initiative. In summary, education on risks is proactive in preventing substance abuse, while the other options focus on treatment or policies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Key informants. Key informants are individuals who have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the community due to their expertise or role within that community. They can provide credible and relevant information based on their direct experiences and interactions. In contrast, a community forum may not always consist of knowledgeable individuals, public records may not capture up-to-date or nuanced information, and surveys may not always reach key stakeholders. Therefore, key informants are the most reliable source for obtaining accurate and insightful information about the community.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because focusing on risk factors for heart disease aligns with primary prevention strategies to promote health and prevent disease before it occurs. This topic is relevant for adolescents as it educates them on lifestyle choices that can reduce their risk of heart disease later in life. Choices B and C involve secondary prevention or treatment rather than prevention. Choice D addresses a different health issue, which is important but not the focus of primary prevention for adolescents. Thus, the nurse should prioritize teaching about heart disease risk factors to promote long-term health and well-being in adolescents.