classification according to severity..HELP! :)

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Specializes in Operating Room.

From least to most severe:

Is this right?

Chronic

Subacute

Acute

Latent

Not really sure about this (especially where latent goes).....please help!

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Everything's OK except latent. Latent means having the potential or tendency towards (not necessarily manifesting or having the condition):

http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=latent

So, with this in mind, where do you think 'latent' should be in the hierarchy?

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thanks for your reply VickyRN.

This is where I am confused. We have for latent:

"- causative agent remains inactive for a time, but becomes active again (shingles)"

So if something is latent, the person could be a carrier. .....OF WHAT is the question.... Is it something severe, or something not as severe as what would be acute, subacute or chronic?

I would think, in general, to put it the least severe because it's dormant, so to speak.

?????

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
I would think, in general, to put it the least severe because it's dormant, so to speak.

?????

That's correct! So, latent would be first on the list, then the others... chronic, subacute, etc.

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Specializes in Operating Room.
That's correct! So, latent would be first on the list, then the others... chronic, subacute, etc.

Thanks so much! I guess I really need to stop making things harder than they really are. lol

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