Which statement best describes tertiary prevention?

• A. Aims to prevent the development of disease in healthy individuals.
• B. Aims to prevent complications of illness.
• C. Only involves medication management.
• D. Is the same as primary prevention.

Answer: (B)

Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing the damage from an illness that has already occurred and preventing further complications or disability. Once a disease is present, the goal shifts from stopping its occurrence to limiting its impact, restoring function, and preventing deterioration. This includes rehabilitation, ongoing management to prevent complications, patient education for coping and adaptation, and therapies aimed at maintaining quality of life.

For example, after a stroke, rehab and therapies to regain movement and prevent secondary problems are tertiary prevention. In chronic diseases like diabetes, ongoing treatment to prevent neuropathy, ulcers, or kidney damage, along with education on lifestyle adjustments, also fits tertiary prevention. Medications can be part of it, but the core idea is preventing complications and maintaining function, not just treating the disease or preventing it in healthy people.

So the statement that best describes tertiary prevention is that it aims to prevent complications of illness.