Question

question 3 of 5
a 6 - year - old child who has been undergoing treatment for leukemia (past 2.5 years) wakes up one day and can no longer walk. diagnostic tests reveal multiple leukemic lesions in the brain and spinal column. so, instead of finishing the prescribed chemotherapy, the child undergoes testing for a bone marrow transplant. the health care provider has classified this case as having a \poor prognosis.\ what does this prognosis mean for this child/family?
the child will most likely recover partially.
the child has a good chance of having a full recovery.
the child will have no chance to survive this leukemia in the long term.
the child has an increased risk for morbidity, having a negative outcome with complications.

Explanation:

A poor prognosis in medical terms indicates a negative outlook for the patient's condition. In this case, the child has leukemia with lesions in the brain and spinal column, and is now undergoing testing for a bone marrow transplant instead of continuing chemotherapy. A poor prognosis does not mean partial recovery (which would imply some level of improvement) or a good chance of full recovery. While "no chance to survive in the long - term" is very absolute, a poor prognosis leans more towards a very negative outcome. "Increased risk for morbidity with negative outcome and complications" is also a negative statement, but "poor prognosis" is more strongly associated with a very bleak long - term survival outlook compared to just increased morbidity.

Answer:

The child will have no chance to survive this leukemia in the long term.