Which level of prevention would be most appropriate for a patient suffering from major depression with suicidal tendencies?

Choice A rationale Quaternary prevention is a relatively newer concept focused on protecting patients from medical interventions that are likely to cause harm. It involves identifying patients at risk of overmedicalization or unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. This level of prevention is not directly applicable to the intervention stage for active suicidal tendencies. Choice B rationale Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt treatment of a condition to limit disability and prevent severe progression. For a patient with major depression and active suicidal tendencies, the intervention (hospitalization, crisis intervention, initiation of pharmacotherapy) represents a critical effort to rapidly treat the acute phase of the illness, thus preventing suicide, which is a severe outcome. Choice C rationale Tertiary prevention aims to reduce the long-term consequences or disability of a chronic or already established disease. For major depression, tertiary prevention would include rehabilitation, ongoing support groups, and maintenance medication to prevent relapse and maximize functioning after the acute crisis has been resolved. Choice D rationale Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs. This would include universal mental health education, stress management programs, or screenings for at-risk populations before they develop major depression or suicidal ideation. It is not appropriate for an actively suicidal patient.