Which of the following best describes secondary prevention?

Secondary prevention focuses on reducing the severity and impact of existing injuries or diseases after they have occurred. This can involve early detection and prompt intervention to mitigate further progression of a condition. The goal here is to minimize complications and enhance recovery through timely treatment, rehabilitation, or support services.

For instance, in the context of health, secondary prevention might include screening programs for certain conditions (like mammograms for breast cancer), as well as rehabilitation programs for those recovering from injuries. The emphasis is on managing the situation effectively to reduce the overall impact on the individual's health and wellbeing, rather than solely preventing initial occurrences or providing long-term care without addressing current issues.

In contrast, the other options center on different stages of intervention. Preventing injuries before they happen describes primary prevention, which aims to stop issues before they occur. Helping individuals recover from an injury concentrates on tertiary prevention, which focuses on care after the initial treatment. Providing long-term care once recovery is complete also aligns more closely with tertiary care, supporting ongoing management rather than addressing the immediate severity or impact of existing injuries.