What measures take place after a patient has sustained an injury or developed an illness, aiming to prevent the issue from worsening?

The focus of secondary prevention is on early detection and prompt intervention, which aims to prevent the progression of a disease or injury once it has occurred. This includes activities such as screenings, regular check-ups, and management of existing conditions to prevent further complications. The goal is to minimize the impact of an existing health issue and improve outcomes for the patient. For instance, if a patient has been diagnosed with hypertension, secondary prevention measures would include monitoring blood pressure, prescribing medications, and educating the patient about lifestyle changes to avoid heart disease.

In contrast, the other options relate to different stages of disease prevention. Primary prevention involves measures taken before an illness or injury occurs, such as vaccinations and health education to reduce risk factors. Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation and management of long-term health issues to reduce complications and improve quality of life after a condition has already caused significant harm. Preventative care is a broader term that encompasses both primary and secondary strategies but does not specifically address the follow-up care once an injury or illness has occurred.