Medical Coding Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What does the term "acute" indicate in a medical context?

A long-lasting condition

A sudden onset of a disease or condition

In a medical context, the term "acute" refers to a disease or condition that has a sudden onset, which may occur rapidly and is often severe in nature. Acute conditions can manifest quickly and require immediate medical attention, distinguishing them from chronic conditions that develop gradually over a longer period and persist for extended durations.

For example, acute appendicitis happens suddenly and requires prompt surgical intervention. This characteristic of rapid progression is what makes the term "acute" particularly important in diagnosis and treatment planning, as it often indicates the need for swift action to manage the potentially serious consequences of the condition.

Other terms like ‘chronic’ and ‘mild’ describe different situations; chronic conditions are prolonged and often less severe moment-to-moment, while mild discomfort refers to a lower intensity level of symptoms, none of which align with the urgency and sudden nature of "acute."

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A chronic illness

A mild discomfort

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