Key Takeaways
- Primary prevention aims to prevent disease before it occurs (immunizations, health education)
- Secondary prevention focuses on early detection through screening (mammograms, colonoscopies)
- Tertiary prevention prevents complications in those already diagnosed (diabetes management)
- Age-appropriate screening recommendations guide preventive care for different populations
- The LPN/LVN educates patients about recommended screenings and healthy behaviors
Last updated: January 2026
Health Screening and Disease Prevention
Preventive care reduces the burden of disease and improves quality of life. The LPN/LVN contributes to prevention efforts through patient education, screening assistance, and health promotion activities.
Levels of Prevention
| Level | Goal | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Prevent disease before it occurs | Immunizations, seat belts, nutrition education |
| Secondary | Early detection of existing disease | Mammograms, blood pressure screening, colonoscopy |
| Tertiary | Prevent complications, restore function | Cardiac rehab, diabetes management, physical therapy |
Immunization Schedules
Childhood Immunizations (Key Vaccines):
| Vaccine | When Given |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months |
| DTaP | 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 4-6 years |
| Hib | 2, 4, 6, 12-15 months |
| Polio (IPV) | 2, 4, 6-18 months, 4-6 years |
| MMR | 12-15 months, 4-6 years |
| Varicella | 12-15 months, 4-6 years |
| Influenza | Annually starting at 6 months |
Adult Immunizations:
| Vaccine | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Influenza | Annually for all adults |
| Td/Tdap | Tdap once, then Td every 10 years |
| Shingles (Zoster) | Two doses at age 50+ |
| Pneumococcal | Age 65+ or high-risk conditions |
| COVID-19 | Per current CDC recommendations |
Cancer Screening Recommendations
| Cancer | Screening Test | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Breast | Mammogram | Women 50-74: every 2 years; earlier if high risk |
| Cervical | Pap test/HPV | Women 21-65: every 3 years (Pap) or 5 years (Pap + HPV) |
| Colorectal | Colonoscopy, stool tests | Age 45-75: colonoscopy every 10 years or alternatives |
| Lung | Low-dose CT | Age 50-80 with 20+ pack-year smoking history |
| Prostate | PSA, DRE | Shared decision-making starting at age 50 |
Cardiovascular Screening
| Test | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | At every visit, annually minimum | Detect hypertension |
| Lipid panel | Every 4-6 years (age 20+) | Assess cardiovascular risk |
| Blood glucose | Every 3 years (age 45+) | Detect diabetes/prediabetes |
| BMI calculation | At every visit | Assess weight status |
Pediatric Screening
| Screening | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn screening | Birth | Metabolic and genetic conditions |
| Hearing | Birth, at well visits | Detect hearing loss |
| Vision | At well visits, age 3-5 | Detect visual problems |
| Lead | Age 1-2 in high-risk areas | Detect lead exposure |
| Developmental | At well visits | Identify developmental delays |
| Autism | 18 and 24 months | Early detection of autism spectrum |
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening
| Screening | Who | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia/Gonorrhea | Sexually active women under 25 | Annually |
| HIV | All adults 13-64 | At least once; more often if high risk |
| Syphilis | At-risk populations | Based on risk assessment |
| Hepatitis C | All adults 18-79 | At least once |
Risk Assessment
Cardiovascular Risk Factors:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Hyperlipidemia
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history
- Physical inactivity
Cancer Risk Factors:
- Tobacco use
- Sun exposure
- Family history
- Obesity
- Alcohol use
- Environmental exposures
Health Education Topics
| Topic | Key Teaching Points |
|---|---|
| Smoking cessation | Resources available, benefits of quitting, relapse prevention |
| Nutrition | Balanced diet, portion control, limiting processed foods |
| Physical activity | 150 minutes moderate activity weekly, benefits |
| Weight management | Healthy BMI, gradual weight loss if needed |
| Sun safety | Sunscreen, protective clothing, avoid peak hours |
| Alcohol use | Moderate consumption, risks of excess |
The LPN/LVN Role in Prevention
| Activity | Examples |
|---|---|
| Education | Teach about screening recommendations, healthy behaviors |
| Assistance | Help with screening procedures, collect specimens |
| Documentation | Record screening results, update health maintenance records |
| Reinforcement | Reinforce teaching by RN or provider |
| Reporting | Report screening results and patient concerns |
Barriers to Preventive Care
| Barrier | Nursing Approach |
|---|---|
| Lack of knowledge | Provide education about recommendations |
| Financial concerns | Connect with resources, community programs |
| Fear of results | Address concerns, emphasize benefits of early detection |
| Cultural beliefs | Respect beliefs while providing information |
| Access issues | Identify community screening events |
On the NCLEX-PN
Expect questions about:
- Levels of prevention with examples
- Age-appropriate screening recommendations
- Patient education for health promotion
- Immunization schedules and timing
Test Your Knowledge
Which activity is an example of secondary prevention?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A 52-year-old patient with no family history of colon cancer asks when they should have a colonoscopy. The LPN should explain that screening is recommended:
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which immunization should be recommended annually for all adults?
A
B
C
D