A client who abuses intravenous (IV) drugs admits to the CHN that he has no desire to change this behaviour, so the CHN counsels him on the importance of sterilizing his needles to prevent infection and transmission of blood-borne diseases. Which level of prevention does this action represent?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Primary and tertiary prevention

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tertiary prevention is implemented in people who already have a health concern or problem (in this instance, someone who is already misusing substances) to prevent complications (harm reduction). In this instance, because the client does not plan to stop the drug abuse, the CHN is trying to prevent complications arising from use of contaminated needles. Emphasis is placed on reducing the trAnswermission of blood-borne diseases through contaminated needles. Giving up the addiction is the best solution but is unrealistic for many addicts. Using the harm reduction model, the CHN should provide education on cleaning needles with bleach between uses and about needle exchange programs to decrease the spread of blood-borne pathogens.

A Client Who Abuses Intravenous (IV) Drugs Admits to the CHN