Which term describes a condition that lasts a long time, possibly a lifetime, such as heart disease or dementia?

Which term describes a condition that lasts a long time, possibly a lifetime, such as heart disease or dementia?

• A. Acute
• B. Terminal
• C. Reversible
• D. Chronic

Answer: (D)

Long-lasting conditions that persist over time, often for life, are described as chronic. This fits illnesses like heart disease or dementia because once they develop they tend to endure and require ongoing care, management, and monitoring. Acute describes conditions with sudden onset that are short in duration, reversible implies the illness can return to normal with treatment, and terminal refers to diseases expected to cause death in a relatively short time. Thus, chronic is the best term for a condition that lasts a long time and may be lifelong, requiring ongoing support.

Long-lasting conditions that persist over time, often for life, are described as chronic. This fits illnesses like heart disease or dementia because once they develop they tend to endure and require ongoing care, management, and monitoring. Acute describes conditions with sudden onset that are short in duration, reversible implies the illness can return to normal with treatment, and terminal refers to diseases expected to cause death in a relatively short time. Thus, chronic is the best term for a condition that lasts a long time and may be lifelong, requiring ongoing support.