A nurse is performing a blood pressure screening for a client who has a family history of hypertension.
Which of the following concepts is the nurse demonstrating?
A Health education.
B Health promotion.
C Holistic health.
D Disease prevention.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Disease prevention.
Explanation:
When a nurse performs a blood pressure screening for a client who has a family history of hypertension, the primary goal is to detect early signs of elevated blood pressure and intervene before hypertension becomes established. This action is an example of disease prevention, specifically secondary prevention. Disease prevention involves measures taken to prevent the onset, progression, and complications of disease. It can be classified into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
- Primary Prevention: This level involves actions taken to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs, such as immunizations, promoting healthy diets, and encouraging physical activity.
- Secondary Prevention: This level focuses on early detection and intervention. The goal is to identify disease at an early stage when it is more manageable or reversible. Blood pressure screenings fall under secondary prevention because they aim to detect hypertension early, allowing for timely interventions to prevent further complications.
- Tertiary Prevention: This involves managing established diseases to prevent further complications, minimize disability, and improve quality of life. It includes rehabilitation and treatment strategies for chronic diseases.
In this scenario, the nurse’s action aligns with secondary prevention because the screening is aimed at detecting hypertension early in someone who is at risk due to a family history. If elevated blood pressure is detected, the nurse can provide interventions such as lifestyle modifications or refer the client to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment, preventing the development of full-blown hypertension and its associated complications.
Incorrect Options:
- A. Health education: While health education is often involved in screening activities, it is not the primary concept demonstrated here. Health education is more about providing information to help clients make informed decisions about their health.
- B. Health promotion: This involves activities that improve overall health and well-being, such as encouraging exercise or a balanced diet. The screening focuses more on identifying a potential health issue rather than promoting overall health.
- C. Holistic health: This concept involves considering the whole person, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors, rather than focusing solely on the physical condition. While important, it is not the primary focus of this scenario.
In conclusion, the blood pressure screening is an example of disease prevention, particularly secondary prevention, as it aims to detect and address the risk of hypertension early.