Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is meant by "prognosis" in a medical sense?

1. The current health status of a patient

2. The expected outcome of a disease

3. The treatment plan for a disease

4. The immediate symptoms of a disease

The correct answer is: The expected outcome of a disease

In a medical context, "prognosis" refers specifically to the expected outcome of a disease, including the likely course, duration, and likely recovery or complications. It is an important part of patient care because understanding the prognosis helps patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options and future planning. For example, a prognosis may indicate whether a patient is expected to recover fully, experience long-term health issues, or face a likelihood of recurrence. The other options refer to different aspects of medical evaluation: current health status illustrates a patient's existing condition, a treatment plan focuses on the interventions designed to address the disease, and immediate symptoms describe the manifestations of a disease at a given moment. These elements are integral to a medical assessment, but "prognosis" specifically aims to forecast the future trajectory of the disease itself.