A paraplegic client is in the hospital to be treated for an electrolyte imbalance.

This client is receiving secondary prevention. The current focus of health care is on preventive care. Leavell and Clark (1965) described the three levels of preventive care as primary, secondary, and tertiary. Secondary preventive care focuses on early detection of disease, prompt intervention, and health maintenance for clients experiencing health problems. Examples of activities at this level are carrying out direct nursing actions (for example, providing wound care, giving medications, exercising arms and legs), assessing children for normal growth and development, and encouraging regular medical and dental screenings and care. Primary preventive care is directed toward health promotion and specific protections against illness. Activities at this level might focus on individuals or groups. Examples of primary-level activities are immunizations, family-planning services, teaching breast self-examination, poison-control information, and accident-prevention education. Tertiary preventive care begins after an illness is diagnosed and treated and is aimed at helping rehabilitate clients and restore them to their maximum level of functioning.Health Promotion and Maintenance