classification according to severity..HELP! :)

From least to most severe:

Is this right?

Chronic

Subacute

Acute

Latent

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

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

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?

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

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.

?????

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

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.

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

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