A nurse is evaluating a tertiary prevention program for clients with cardiovascular disease implemented in a rural health clinic. Which outcome indicates the program is effective?

• A. Reduction in new cases of cardiovascular disease
• B. Clients who incurred disease complications promptly received rehabilitation
• C. Increased routine screening for cholesterol
• D. Improved publication of health data

Answer: (B)

Ter tiary prevention aims to minimize disability and restore function after a disease has already developed. In cardiovascular disease, the most meaningful measure of an effective tertiary prevention program is that clients who have disease complications receive rehabilitation promptly. Timely rehabilitation helps restore physical function, reduce the severity and duration of disability, and prevent further decline, which is the core goal after disease onset.

Reducing new cases would reflect primary prevention (stopping the disease from occurring). Increased cholesterol screening touches on secondary prevention (early detection to prevent progression). Improved publication of health data relates to surveillance and program monitoring rather than a direct patient-centered outcome.