Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

According to Leavell and Clark, what is included in primary prevention?

1. Health promotion and rehabilitation

2. Health promotion and specific protection

3. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment

4. Health maintenance and early diagnosis

The correct answer is: Health promotion and specific protection

Primary prevention, as outlined by Leavell and Clark, focuses on preventing disease before it occurs, targeting the general population to reduce risk factors. The components of primary prevention include health promotion and specific protection. Health promotion refers to activities that encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles, which contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and communities. This could include education about nutrition, exercise, and the benefits of avoiding harmful substances. Specific protection involves taking measures designed to prevent specific diseases, such as vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases, or the use of protective equipment in hazardous work environments to prevent injuries. Together, these strategies aim to reduce the incidence of disease and promote a healthy population, setting primary prevention apart from other levels of prevention like secondary or tertiary interventions, which focus on disease detection and management after the onset of illness.