North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which term describes an increase in symptoms or severity of a medical condition?

1. Remission

2. Exacerbation

3. Stabilization

4. Complication

The correct answer is: Exacerbation

The term that describes an increase in symptoms or severity of a medical condition is "exacerbation." This is used especially in the context of chronic illnesses, where patients may experience periods of worsening symptoms in contrast to periods of improvement or stability. It involves a flare-up of the disease, which often requires medical attention to manage the intensified or new symptoms. Remission refers to a period during which the symptoms of a disease are reduced or absent, indicating improvement rather than worsening. Stabilization implies that a condition has reached a steady state, where there is no significant change in symptoms, while complication describes secondary conditions or issues that arise from an existing disease rather than an escalation of the original condition itself. Understanding these terms helps in providing accurate healthcare and communicating effectively about patient conditions.