Which statement best describes tertiary prevention?

• A. Preventing disease by eliminating risk factors
• B. Screening for disease in asymptomatic individuals
• C. Managing complicated, long-term diseases
• D. Promoting healthy lifestyle to prevent sickness

Answer: (C)

Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing the damage from an established disease by preventing complications, slowing progression, and helping the person regain or maintain function through treatment and rehabilitation. This is best described by managing complicated, long-term diseases, where the goal is to prevent further decline and improve quality of life. The other ideas reflect primary or secondary prevention: eliminating risk factors or promoting a healthy lifestyle aims to prevent disease from developing in the first place, while screening asymptomatic individuals targets early detection of disease before symptoms appear. For example, after a chronic illness or serious injury, ongoing medical management, rehabilitation, and coordinated care to prevent further complications illustrate tertiary prevention.