A patient that has recently survived a plane crash has returned to work and reports being unable to sleep at night. The nurse meets with the patient once a month to provide ongoing support and encouragement. Which type of crisis intervention is the nurse performing?

Choice A reason: Primary crisis intervention focuses on health promotion and reducing the incidence of crisis by teaching coping skills or altering the environment before a crisis occurs. Since the plane crash (the crisis event) has already happened, this intervention is no longer in the primary stage. Choice B reason: Secondary crisis intervention involves acute treatment during an actual crisis to prevent prolonged suffering. This usually occurs immediately following the event. Since the patient has already returned to work and is receiving monthly follow-up care, the focus has shifted beyond the acute phase. Choice C reason: Tertiary crisis intervention, also known as postvention, provides support for those who have experienced a severe crisis and are now in the recovery phase. Meeting once a month to provide support and facilitate optimal levels of functioning after the event is a hallmark of tertiary prevention. Choice D reason: Critical incident stress debriefing is a specific, structured group intervention that typically occurs within 24 to 72 hours of a traumatic event. Monthly individual support sessions do not meet the criteria for this highly specialized, short-term, one-time stabilization technique used for groups.