The public health nurse understands that immediate treatment for a possible sexually transmitted infection is secondary prevention. Once there is a confirmed diagnosis, the public health nurse knows that this is now which of the following levels of prevention?

Choice A reason: Geographic area alone lacks community’s shared purpose element. Goals add depth, per nursing. This errors in completeness. It’s universally distinct.

Choice B reason: Common bond like profession is too narrow; geography matters. This misaligns with public health definitions. It’s universally distinct, limited scope.

Choice C reason: Working on problems is specific; goals and area are broader. This errors per community breadth. It’s universally distinct, not general.

Choice D reason: A community shares goals within a geographic area, best definition. This aligns with nursing standards. It’s universally applied, distinctly comprehensive.

Choice A reason: Limiting partners reduces risk but doesn’t address recent exposure timing. Retesting is critical, per nursing standards. This choice errors in urgency. It’s universally distinct, less immediate.

Choice B reason: False negatives are possible but less urgent than retesting timing. Recent exposure needs emphasis, per standards. This errors in priority. It’s universally distinct, vague.

Choice C reason: HIV tests miss recent infections; retesting in 3 months ensures accuracy. This aligns with nursing standards precisely. It’s universally applied, distinctly the most immediate need.

Choice D reason: Abstinence prevents future risk but doesn’t address past exposure. Retesting fits recent acts, per nursing. This errors in relevance. It’s universally distinct, forward-looking.