An occupational health nurse is planning health promotion activities for a group of workers in a local manufacturing plant. Which of the following are secondary prevention activities the nurse should plan to include? (Select all that apply.)
A.
Refer workers who report difficulty hearing for further auditory testing.
B.
Demonstrate proper lifting techniques for the workers.
C.
Encourage the workers to use back braces provided by the employer.
D.
Conduct visual screenings for workers operating equipment.
E.
Educate the workers on the importance of safety goggles.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are:
A. Refer workers who report difficulty hearing for further auditory testing.
D. Conduct visual screenings for workers operating equipment.
Explanation:
Secondary prevention aims to detect and address health issues early before they progress to more severe stages. It focuses on identifying and managing existing conditions to prevent complications and reduce their impact.
- Option A: Refer workers who report difficulty hearing for further auditory testing. This is a secondary prevention activity. It involves identifying individuals who may already have a hearing problem and referring them for further evaluation. Early detection of hearing loss can lead to timely intervention and prevent further deterioration. By addressing the issue early, the nurse helps to mitigate potential impacts on the worker’s health and productivity.
- Option B: Demonstrate proper lifting techniques for the workers. This is a form of primary prevention. It aims to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place by teaching safe practices. It does not involve detecting or managing existing health conditions but rather preventing them through education and training.
- Option C: Encourage the workers to use back braces provided by the employer. This is also a form of primary prevention. The use of back braces can help prevent injuries by providing support during potentially harmful activities, but it is not focused on detecting or managing existing health conditions.
- Option D: Conduct visual screenings for workers operating equipment. This is a secondary prevention activity. Visual screenings are used to detect vision problems that could affect a worker’s ability to safely operate equipment. Identifying and addressing these problems early can prevent accidents and complications related to impaired vision.
- Option E: Educate the workers on the importance of safety goggles. This is a form of primary prevention. Educating workers about safety goggles aims to prevent injuries from occurring by promoting the use of protective equipment. It is not focused on detecting or managing existing conditions but on preventing their onset through protective measures.
In summary, secondary prevention activities are aimed at early detection and management of existing conditions, such as auditory and visual screenings, whereas primary prevention focuses on avoiding the occurrence of health issues altogether.