Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What level of preventative care is indicated when a nurse immunizes children against measles?

1. Primary

2. Secondary

3. Tertiary

4. Quaternary

The correct answer is: Primary

The level of preventative care indicated when a nurse immunizes children against measles is primary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on preventing diseases before they occur, which is achieved through strategies such as immunization programs. By vaccinating children, healthcare providers are helping to create immunity within the population, thereby reducing the incidence of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization is a fundamental component of primary prevention efforts because it targets the disease at its source. It aims to protect individuals and communities from experiencing the illness, supporting overall public health. Other levels of prevention, such as secondary and tertiary care, involve different approaches: secondary prevention focuses on early detection and intervention to manage diseases that have already occurred, while tertiary prevention aims to reduce the impact of ongoing illness or injury. Quaternary prevention is a newer concept focused on avoiding unnecessary medical interventions, which is not applicable in the context of routine childhood vaccinations.