After a disaster, a family is suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). The nurse performs screening. This represents which level of prevention?

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Mains

Explanation

Secondary prevention aims to identify and treat a health problem at the earliest possible stage.
In this case, the traumatic event (disaster) has already occurred, and the nurse is screening for its potential consequence (PTSD).
Screening is a hallmark activity of secondary prevention, as it focuses on early detection before symptoms become severe or chronic.
The goal is to reduce the severity and duration of the illness through prompt intervention.

Option A: Primary prevention aims to prevent the health problem from ever occurring. Since the disaster has already happened, this level is no longer possible for this specific event.
Option C: Tertiary prevention focuses on managing an established, long-term disease to prevent complications and improve quality of life. The question describes screening for a new potential case, not managing a chronic one.
Option D: Primordial prevention involves preventing the development of risk factors at a broad, societal level. The nurse's action is focused on a specific family after an event, not on large-scale policy.

Visual 1: Diagram: A pyramid or timeline illustrating the four levels of prevention (Primordial, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary) with brief definitions and examples for each, highlighting 'Screening' under the Secondary level.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Levels of Prevention in Community Health Nursing in acute care settings.
Nurses are essential in all phases of disaster management, including the crucial post-disaster recovery phase where mental health screening is a priority.
Early identification of PTSD through screening allows for timely referral to mental health services, which can significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability, substance abuse, and suicide.
What if? If the family members were already diagnosed with PTSD and the nurse was helping them find a long-term support group and manage their medications, this would shift the intervention to Tertiary Prevention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key action in the stem: 'The nurse performs screening'.
Next, determine the timing of this action in relation to the health problem or event. The screening is happening 'after a disaster'.
Recall the definitions of the levels of prevention. Primary is before the problem starts. Secondary is early detection after the problem/risk has occurred. Tertiary is long-term management of an established problem.
Match the action and timing to the correct definition. 'Screening' after an event to 'detect' a problem is the classic definition of Secondary Prevention.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QO767B1BNg1vp5m6-JXTcZ

Practise the full NORCET 10 Mains

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.