A nurse is working with a community health care team to devise strategies for preventing violence in the community. Which of the following interventions is an example of tertiary prevention?

Choice A reason: Conducting counseling for at-risk parents is not a primary prevention strategy, as it is a secondary prevention strategy. Secondary prevention aims to stop violence from recurring after it happens, by identifying and intervening with those who are at risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence. Counseling for at-risk parents may help them cope with stress, resolve conflicts, and improve their relationships, but it does not prevent violence from happening in the first place.

Choice B reason: Assessing a family for marital discord is not a primary prevention strategy, as it is a secondary prevention strategy. Secondary prevention aims to stop violence from recurring after it happens, by identifying and intervening with those who are at risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence. Assessing a family for marital discord may help the nurse detect signs of abuse, neglect, or violence, and refer the family to appropriate services, but it does not prevent violence from happening in the first place.

Choice C reason: Teaching parenting techniques to new parents is a primary prevention strategy, as it aims to prevent violence from ever happening in the first place. Primary prevention works by addressing the underlying causes of violence, such as gender inequality, social norms, and power imbalances, and promoting positive attitudes and behaviors across the whole population. Teaching parenting techniques to new parents may help them develop skills, knowledge, and confidence to raise their children in a healthy, safe, and supportive environment, and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Choice D reason: Providing treatment for a young adult who has a substance use disorder is not a primary prevention strategy, as it is a tertiary prevention strategy. Tertiary prevention aims to respond to the long-term impacts of violence, by providing care and support to those who have experienced or perpetrated violence, and reducing the consequences and recurrence of violence. Providing treatment for a young adult who has a substance use disorder may help them recover from their addiction, improve their mental and physical health, and reduce their involvement in violence, but it does not prevent violence from happening in the first place.

Choice A reason: Implementing a disaster triage plan with a local medical facility is not an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster preparedness efforts. This is an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster response efforts, which are the actions taken during or immediately after a disaster to save lives, minimize injuries, and protect property.

Choice B reason: Functioning as a manager at a temporary shelter is not an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster preparedness efforts. This is an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster recovery efforts, which are the actions taken after a disaster to restore the normal functioning of the community and the environment.

Choice C reason: Assisting with the identification of a biological agent is not an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster preparedness efforts. This is an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster mitigation efforts, which are the actions taken before, during, or after a disaster to reduce or eliminate its impact.

Choice D reason: Organizing a mass casualty drill for community members is an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster preparedness efforts. This is an action that the nurse is engaging in disaster prevention efforts, which are the actions taken before a disaster to prevent or minimize its occurrence or effects. A mass casualty drill is a simulation exercise that tests the readiness and capacity of the health care system and the community to respond to a large-scale emergency.