Which term describes a condition with a rapid onset and short duration?

Which term describes a condition with a rapid onset and short duration?

• A. Acute
• B. Chronic
• C. Persistent
• D. Subacute

Answer: (A)

Rapid onset paired with a brief course is described by the term acute. In medical language, acute means something that starts suddenly and lasts for a short time, often with intense symptoms that resolve or change quickly. This distinguishes it from chronic, which lasts a long time; subacute, which sits between acute and chronic in duration; and persistent, which emphasizes ongoing presence or recurrence over a long period. So when a condition appears quickly and resolves relatively fast, acute is the best label.

Rapid onset paired with a brief course is described by the term acute. In medical language, acute means something that starts suddenly and lasts for a short time, often with intense symptoms that resolve or change quickly. This distinguishes it from chronic, which lasts a long time; subacute, which sits between acute and chronic in duration; and persistent, which emphasizes ongoing presence or recurrence over a long period. So when a condition appears quickly and resolves relatively fast, acute is the best label.