What term means a prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disorder?

What term means a prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disorder?

• A. Prognosis
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Etiology
• D. Therapy

Answer: (D)

Understanding medical terminology about patient outcomes: Prognosis refers to the prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disorder. It describes what is likely to happen over time—whether the condition will improve, stay the same, or worsen, and what the chances are for recovery, relapse, or survival. This forecast takes into account the type and stage of the disease, how the patient responds to treatment, and overall health factors. In contrast, diagnosis is about identifying which illness is present. Etiology is the cause or origin of the disease. Therapy refers to the treatment or management used to address the condition. For example, knowing someone has a certain cancer type is a diagnosis; understanding how advanced it is and how they might respond to treatment informs the prognosis.

Understanding medical terminology about patient outcomes: Prognosis refers to the prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disorder. It describes what is likely to happen over time—whether the condition will improve, stay the same, or worsen, and what the chances are for recovery, relapse, or survival. This forecast takes into account the type and stage of the disease, how the patient responds to treatment, and overall health factors.

In contrast, diagnosis is about identifying which illness is present. Etiology is the cause or origin of the disease. Therapy refers to the treatment or management used to address the condition. For example, knowing someone has a certain cancer type is a diagnosis; understanding how advanced it is and how they might respond to treatment informs the prognosis.