A nurse is presenting information about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections to a group of high school students. The nurse should identify that this is an example of which of the following types of prevention?

Choice A rationale Tertiary prevention focuses on minimizing the impact of an established disease or injury, aiming to improve function, reduce disability, and prevent complications. Examples include rehabilitation programs or chronic disease management. This is not appropriate for preventing initial infection in healthy individuals. Choice B rationale Secondary prevention involves early detection of a disease through screenings or prompt treatment after initial symptoms to slow progression. Examples include Pap smears or STI testing after exposure. Prevention of the initial infection is not the focus of this level. Choice C rationale Primary prevention aims to prevent the initial onset of disease or injury by reducing risk factors. Providing education on safe sexual practices, condom use, and abstinence directly addresses the risk of acquiring STIs, fitting the definition of primary prevention. Choice D rationale Quaternary prevention addresses activities taken to protect patients from medical intervention that is likely to cause harm, or to suggest ethical alternatives. It is not a recognized level for public health education on disease prevention in the general population.