ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7English and Language UsageMedium
A patient asks a nurse, 'Could you please explain what my prognosis means?' Which of the following explanations would be most appropriate for the nurse to provide?
- AIt's the anticipated course and outcome of your disease.
- BIt's a list of all the medications you are currently taking.
- CIt's the current severity of your symptoms.
- DIt's a detailed report of your past medical history.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It's the anticipated course and outcome of your disease.
Prognosis refers to the likely course and outcome of a disease or condition. It's a forecast of how a patient is expected to recover or progress.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This describes a medication list or reconciliation.
- C. This describes the current status of symptoms, often part of a diagnosis or assessment.
- D. This describes a medical history or anamnesis.
Prognosis
A medical term referring to the likely course and outcome of a disease or condition.
- Forecasts future health
- Based on diagnosis, patient factors, and medical knowledge
- Can be good, poor, or uncertain
- Distinct from diagnosis (identification of disease) and treatment (management of disease)
Memory trick: Prognosis is the 'pro-view' of your health's journey.