An occupational health nurse is implementing some tertiary levels of prevention in the workplace. Which of the following interventions are tertiary interventions?

Choice A Reason:
The statement that individuals who desire a quality education are required to purchase healthy lunches at school is not accurate. While healthy lunches can contribute to better health outcomes, they are not a requirement for obtaining a quality education. This choice does not directly address the broader relationship between education and health outcomes. Instead, it focuses on a specific aspect of school life that is not universally applicable or mandated.

Choice B Reason:
The idea that quality education includes coverage for some medical expenses is misleading. Education systems typically do not cover medical expenses; this is usually the role of healthcare systems or insurance providers. While schools may offer some health services, such as school nurses or health education, these do not equate to comprehensive medical expense coverage. This choice does not accurately reflect the role of education in health outcomes.

Choice C Reason:
Individuals who attain a quality education increase the likelihood of obtaining a job that pays a living wage. This statement is supported by extensive research showing that higher educational attainment is associated with better employment opportunities and higher income levels. A living wage allows individuals to afford better healthcare, housing, and nutrition, all of which contribute to improved health outcomes. This choice directly links education to economic stability and health benefits, making it the most accurate and relevant statement.

Choice D Reason:
With a quality education, clients have increased access to virtual visits with primary care physicians. While education can improve health literacy and the ability to navigate healthcare systems, access to virtual visits is more directly influenced by factors such as technology availability, internet access, and healthcare policies. This statement oversimplifies the relationship between education and healthcare access, making it less accurate than the other choices.

Choice A Reason:
Reinforcing past teachings on how to read food labels is an important educational intervention. It helps the client make informed dietary choices, which can be crucial in managing heart failure. However, this intervention is more aligned with secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection and management of disease risk factors to prevent progression. Tertiary prevention, on the other hand, aims to manage and mitigate complications of an already established disease.

Choice B Reason:
Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the effects of an existing disease to prevent complications and improve quality of life. In the context of heart failure, this involves monitoring and managing symptoms to prevent disease progression and hospitalizations. Reviewing the client's daily weights helps detect early signs of fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure, allowing for timely interventions.

Choice C Reason:
Reminding the client to ask for the pneumococcal vaccine during their next provider appointment is a preventive measure aimed at reducing the risk of infections, which can exacerbate heart failure. This intervention falls under primary prevention, as it aims to prevent the occurrence of a new health issue (pneumonia) rather than managing an existing condition.

Choice D Reason:
While assessing for edema is important in managing heart failure, it is more of a diagnostic activity rather than an intervention. Tertiary prevention involves interventions to manage and mitigate the effects of an existing disease.