Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which type of disease is characterized by rapid onset and a quick recovery?

1. Acute

2. Chronic

3. Primary

4. Asymptomatic

The correct answer is: Acute

The correct choice is acute disease, which is defined by its rapid onset and swift recovery. Acute diseases typically present suddenly and may lead to recognizable symptoms that require immediate attention. The body often has a robust ability to recover from these conditions, either naturally or through medical intervention. Common examples include infections, such as the flu or a cold, where individuals often return to normal health in a relatively short period of time. In contrast, chronic diseases evolve over a longer period and generally require ongoing management, showcasing persistent symptoms and challenges to recovery. Primary conditions refer to the main disease process rather than its duration or onset characteristics, while asymptomatic conditions are those that do not exhibit noticeable symptoms despite the presence of the disease. Thus, acute diseases are distinctly characterized by their swift trajectory, making this choice the most accurate.