Tertiary prevention is best described as?

• A. Tx and management of the patient's clinical and chronic disease.
• B. Identification and Tx of asymptomatic persons who have developed risk factors.
• C. A set of actions that prevents a specific disease or condition.
• D. Health education and vaccination campaigns.

Answer: (A)

Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing the damage and helping the patient regain as much function as possible after a disease has occurred. It involves treating and managing an established clinical condition to prevent complications, limit disability, and improve quality of life, often through ongoing medical management, rehabilitation, and supportive care.

That’s why the option describing treatment and management of the patient’s clinical and chronic disease fits best. It emphasizes intervening after disease onset to minimize harm and maintain function. In contrast, screening asymptomatic people with risk factors aligns with secondary prevention, while actions aimed at preventing disease from developing in the first place (such as health education and vaccination) reflect primary prevention.