A community health nurse is reviewing the levels of disease prevention. Which of the following activities is an example of tertiary prevention?

Choice A reason: Aplastic anemia results in an increased rate of RBC destruction

Aplastic anemia does not result from an increased rate of red blood cell (RBC) destruction. Instead, it is characterized by the bone marrow’s inability to produce sufficient new blood cells, including RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition leads to pancytopenia, a deficiency of all types of blood cells.

Choice B reason: Aplastic anemia is associated with a decreased intake of iron

Aplastic anemia is not typically associated with a decreased intake of iron. Iron deficiency anemia is a different condition where the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Aplastic anemia, on the other hand, is due to the failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells.

Choice C reason: Aplastic anemia results from decreased bone marrow production of RBCs

This statement is correct. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. This can be due to various factors, including autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxic chemicals, certain medications, and viral infections. The decreased production of RBCs, along with other blood cells, leads to the symptoms associated with aplastic anemia.

Choice D reason: Aplastic anemia results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12

Aplastic anemia is not related to the absorption of vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is the condition associated with an inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Aplastic anemia is specifically related to the bone marrow’s failure to produce sufficient blood cells.

Choice A reason:

The statement “Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior” is correct. The occiput posterior (OP) position is when the baby’s head is down but facing the mother’s abdomen. This position can cause prolonged labor and severe backache because the baby’s head is not optimally aligned with the birth canal, making it harder for the baby to descend. The OP position often leads to more painful and prolonged labor, and it is associated with a higher likelihood of interventions such as forceps or vacuum delivery, or even cesarean section.

Choice B reason:

The statement “Maternal pelvis is gynecoid” is incorrect as a contributing cause for difficult labor. A gynecoid pelvis is the most favorable pelvic shape for childbirth. It is round and wide, providing ample space for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Women with a gynecoid pelvis typically experience smoother and less complicated deliveries.

Choice C reason:

The statement “Fetal attitude is in general flexion” is also incorrect as a contributing cause for difficult labor. General flexion is the normal fetal attitude, where the baby’s chin is tucked to the chest, and the limbs are flexed. This position allows the smallest diameter of the baby’s head to present first, facilitating an easier passage through the birth canal.

Choice D reason:

The statement “Fetal lie is longitudinal” is incorrect as a contributing cause for difficult labor. A longitudinal lie means that the baby’s spine is aligned with the mother’s spine, which is the normal and most common orientation for delivery. This position is generally favorable for childbirth.