Which intervention is characteristic of tertiary prevention?

• A. Vaccinations
• B. Screening tests
• C. Limiting sugary drinks
• D. Rehabilitation after stroke

Answer: (D)

Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing disability and complications after a disease or injury has already occurred. After a stroke, there can be lasting impairments and a risk of secondary problems like muscle weakness, contractures, pneumonia, blood clots, or falls. Rehabilitation addresses these issues by restoring function, teaching compensatory strategies, and helping the person regain independence, thereby minimizing long-term disability and improving quality of life.

This is why rehabilitation after stroke fits tertiary prevention: the stroke event has happened, and the goal is to lessen its enduring impact. By comparison, vaccines and limiting sugary drinks are measures to prevent disease from occurring in the first place (primary prevention), and screening tests are used to detect disease early to prevent progression (secondary prevention).