What does the term prognosis mean?

• A. Predicting the outcome of the disease
• B. Developing a therapeutic plan
• C. Determining the cause of the disease
• D. Identifying what disease is present

Answer: (A)

Prognosis is the forecast of how a disease will progress in an individual and what outcome to expect. It involves estimating the likely course, potential complications, and survival or recovery times based on factors like disease stage, how the patient has responded to treatment, and overall health. This helps clinicians communicate what the patient is likely to experience over time and informs decisions about monitoring and care. It’s not about identifying what disease is present (that’s diagnosis), nor about determining the cause of the disease (etiology), nor does it by itself describe a treatment plan, though prognosis can influence how aggressive or limited the therapy should be. For example, a patient with a localized, easily treated condition generally has a favorable prognosis, while one with advanced or metastatic disease may have a poorer prognosis.