Which of the following best describes preventive care in nursing?

Preventive care in nursing emphasizes health maintenance and disease prevention, making it a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. This model is centered on education and strategies that help individuals and communities maintain wellness, reduce the risk of diseases, and promote healthy practices. By prioritizing activities such as regular health screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care addresses issues before they develop into more challenging health problems.

In contrast, focusing on immediate clinical treatment pertains to managing conditions after they arise rather than preventing them. Similarly, an emphasis on illness management is more about handling existing diseases rather than stopping them from occurring in the first place. Prioritizing surgical interventions also doesn’t fit within the scope of preventive care, as surgeries are typically reactive and address health issues rather than fostering wellness and preventing disease.