Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

A client maintains a nutritious diet daily to keep their current health status. This behavior is best described as?

1. Illness prevention

2. Health promotion

3. Health maintenance

4. Health protective

The correct answer is: Health maintenance

The behavior of maintaining a nutritious diet to support one’s current health status is best described as health maintenance. This concept refers to the ongoing efforts individuals make to sustain their health and prevent deterioration. By consistently consuming a nutritious diet, the client is actively working to preserve their wellbeing and manage their health effectively over time. While illness prevention involves actions aimed at reducing the risk of developing health issues, the focus here is not on avoidance of illness but rather on sustaining current health levels. Health promotion is broader, encompassing strategies to enhance overall wellbeing and encourage healthier lifestyles. Health protective behavior typically refers to specific actions taken to safeguard health but is more focused on protective aspects rather than the continuous effort encapsulated in health maintenance. Thus, the description of maintaining a nutritious diet aligns most closely with the principles of health maintenance.