Aspirin use in an older adult patient at increased risk of stroke is an example of what type of prevention?

Aspirin use in an older adult patient at increased risk of stroke is considered a form of primary prevention. This is because primary prevention focuses on preventing the onset of disease before it occurs. In this case, administering aspirin to reduce the risk of stroke is aimed at preventing a potential first occurrence of a cerebrovascular event in the patient.

In the context of stroke risk, primary prevention measures like aspirin therapy can be important, especially in populations with known risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of a stroke happening in the first place, rather than addressing it after it has already occurred.

To clarify the other types of prevention:

• Secondary prevention involves early detection and management of disease to prevent progression, such as screening for high blood pressure or diabetes.

• Tertiary prevention is concerned with managing established disease to reduce complications and improve quality of life, such as rehabilitation after a stroke.

• Quaternary prevention aims to prevent unnecessary interventions or overdiagnosis in patients who are at risk of excessive medicalization.

In this scenario, since the emphasis is on preventing the occurrence of a stroke in a patient who is at risk, it underlines the primary prevention approach.