Which level of prevention focuses on controlling the chronic effects of a health issue that has already occurred?

A.Engaging the safety mechanism immediately after withdrawing a needle from a patient is the most effective way to prevent accidental percutaneous injuries. This action shields the contaminated sharp before any transport or disposal occurs. Prompt activation reduces the window of time during which an exposed, contaminated needle poses a biological hazard to the healthcare worker.

B.All needles, regardless of gauge or bore size, must be disposed of in puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps containers rather than standard wastebaskets. Waterproof wastebaskets do not provide the necessary physical barrier to prevent needles from piercing the sides and injuring staff. Proper disposal in designated sharps bins is a fundamental requirement of OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.

C.Bending, breaking, or recapping needles is strictly prohibited because these actions significantly increase the risk of an accidental needlestick. Manipulating a contaminated sharp brings the nurse's hands into close proximity with the needle point, leading to high rates of injury. Needles should be disposed of intact into a sharps container immediately following their clinical use.

D.Sharps containers should be replaced when they are 75% full to prevent overfilling and the risk of needles protruding from the opening. Attempting to use a container until it is completely full often leads to "shunting" or forcing sharps inside, which is a common cause of injury. Maintaining a clear safety margin at the top of the container ensures safe disposal.

A.Passive range of motion (PROM) involves the nurse moving the client's joints through their full range without the client's active muscle contraction. This intervention is specifically designed to maintain or improve joint flexibility and prevent the development of permanent contractures. It ensures that the synovial fluid is distributed and the connective tissues remain elongated.

B.Bone density is primarily maintained and increased through weight-bearing exercises and active resistance training, which stimulate osteoblastic activity. Passive movement does not provide the necessary mechanical stress on the skeletal system to affect mineral density. While PROM is beneficial for mobility, it is not an effective strategy for preventing osteoporosis or bone loss.

C.Muscle strength requires active contraction against gravity or resistance to hypertrophy the muscle fibers and improve motor unit recruitment. Since the nurse is performing the movement for the client, the client's muscles are not being exercised. Consequently, passive range of motion cannot increase or even maintain muscle strength in a paralyzed or paretic limb.

D.Muscle mass is preserved through active physical activity and nutritional support; passive movements do not prevent the disuse atrophy associated with a stroke. Without the metabolic demands of active contraction, the muscle fibers will naturally decrease in size over time. PROM focuses exclusively on the integrity of the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments rather than volume.