Question

Difficulty: MediumHealth Screening

A nurse preceptor and a newly graduated nurse are developing a health maintenance plan for an asymptomatic 65-year-old female client during an annual wellness visit. Which statement by the newly graduated nurse indicates a correct understanding of secondary prevention and appropriate health screening?

  1. I will schedule the client for a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to assess bone mineral density.Answer
  2. B
    I will administer the recombinant zoster vaccine to provide immunity against shingles.
  3. C
    I will educate the client on the importance of daily aerobic exercise for cardiovascular health.
  4. D
    I will skip the depression and cognitive screening since mild memory loss is a normal part of aging.

Answer

The statement regarding scheduling a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan correctly identifies a secondary prevention measure.
Secondary prevention focuses on the early detection and diagnosis of disease in asymptomatic individuals. A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is a screening tool recommended for all women aged 65 and older to detect osteoporosis early, perfectly aligning with the definition of secondary prevention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's demographic profile.
The client is an asymptomatic 65-year-old female presenting for a wellness visit.
Age and biological sex dictate specific evidence-based health screening guidelines.
2
Define secondary prevention.
Secondary prevention involves the early detection of disease through screening in asymptomatic populations.
The question specifically asks to identify a secondary prevention strategy.
3
Evaluate the proposed statements against prevention levels.
DEXA scanning is a screening tool (secondary). Vaccines and exercise education are primary prevention. Dismissing memory loss ignores potential pathology.
Matching the correct clinical intervention to its respective prevention level ensures accurate health promotion and safe practice.

Key Concept

Levels of disease prevention and age-appropriate health screening
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