Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What type of prevention is screening school-age children for hearing deficits classified as?

1. Primary prevention

2. Secondary prevention

3. Tertiary prevention

4. Health promotion

The correct answer is: Secondary prevention

Screening school-age children for hearing deficits is classified as secondary prevention because it focuses on identifying health issues that are already present but may not yet be obvious or symptomatic. This type of prevention aims to detect conditions early enough that they can be treated effectively, potentially preventing further complications or progression of the disease. In the case of hearing deficits, screening allows for early intervention, which is critical because untreated hearing issues can lead to significant developmental, social, and academic challenges for children. By identifying these deficits early, healthcare providers can implement strategies, such as referrals for further evaluation or intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for affected children. Primary prevention is about preventing a disease from occurring at all, such as vaccinations. Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and rehabilitating patients who already have a disease to mitigate disease impact. Health promotion generally refers to activities that enhance well-being and improve health outcomes rather than targeting specific disease detection. Thus, the focus on early identification through screening aligns best with the objectives of secondary prevention.