Correct Answer: administering the first dose of the mmr (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
in the context of a well-child examination for a 12-month-old infant, primary prevention measures are aimed at preventing diseases before they occur. among the options given, administering the first dose of the mmr (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the correct example of a primary prevention measure. this vaccine is indeed first recommended at 12 months of age according to the immunization schedule provided by health authorities such as the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc).
primary prevention strictly refers to interventions that prevent the onset of illness before the disease process begins. immunizations, like the mmr vaccine, are quintessential examples of primary prevention because they protect individuals from contracting diseases and thereby prevent the potential complications associated with those diseases.
in contrast, doing a routine urinalysis during the well-child exam does not qualify as a primary prevention measure. a urinalysis is generally not part of the standard assessment at the 12-month well-child visit unless there are specific clinical indications or concerns that might necessitate such a test. urinalysis is typically diagnostic rather than preventative.
educating the mother on home care and treatment of the child's active diaper dermatitis rash falls under tertiary prevention. tertiary prevention measures aim to manage and reduce pain, disability, and suffering that diseases may cause. since diaper dermatitis is an existing condition, advising on its care does not prevent its onset but rather aims at managing the symptoms and preventing further complications.
lastly, regarding the administration of the first dose of the mcv (meningococcal) vaccine, this is not typically administered at 12 months of age. the mcv is usually recommended for older children and adolescents, starting at 11 to 12 years of age, thereby making it an irrelevant consideration in the context of a 12-month-old's vaccination schedule.
thus, the administration of the first dose of the mmr vaccine is the most appropriate answer as it aligns with the goals of primary prevention by safely and effectively creating immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella before exposure to these viruses, thereby preventing potential outbreaks and the spread of these diseases.
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