Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What is the term for a secondary latency phase that occurs in some diseases, often followed by an acute phase?

1. Remission

2. Convalescence

3. The acute phase

4. The subclinical acute phase

The correct answer is: Remission

The term that describes a secondary latency phase that occurs in some diseases, often followed by an acute phase, is remission. In the context of various illnesses, including certain infectious diseases and chronic conditions, remission refers to a period during which the symptoms of the disease decrease or disappear entirely. This is significant because it suggests a temporary respite from the active manifestations of the illness, which may eventually lead to a return or worsening of symptoms in an acute phase. In clinical practice, understanding the concept of remission is crucial for monitoring a patient's progress and tailoring treatment strategies. For instance, if a patient is in remission, healthcare providers often assess for signs of recurrence and may adjust medications or therapies accordingly to manage future outbreaks or exacerbations. The other terms provided describe different states of disease progression or recovery that do not align with the concept of a secondary latency phase. Convalescence refers to the period of recovery after an illness, which follows the acute phase rather than representing a phase that occurs in conjunction with it. The acute phase is the initial phase characterized by severe symptoms, and the term "subclinical acute phase" is less commonly used and typically refers to situations where there are no noticeable symptoms despite underlying disease activity, lacking the clear transitional nature that remission embodies.