Question

exacerbation *

• the study of tumors
• symptoms flare - up or become worse
• caused by a disease
• a change in structure or function
• the onset of a second disease or disorder
• a state of sameness
• microorganisms that cause disease
• something that reduces risk
• a disease that persists for a long period of time
• a time where symptoms are diminished
• a predicted or expected outcome of a disease
• removing a small piece of tissue for examination

Explanation:

To determine the correct definition of "Exacerbation", we analyze each option:

• "the study of tumors" refers to oncology, not exacerbation.
• "symptoms flare - up or become worse" matches the meaning of exacerbation, as exacerbation means a worsening of symptoms or a disease.
• "caused by a disease" is not the definition of exacerbation.
• "a change in structure or function" is more related to pathological changes in general, not exacerbation.
• "the onset of a second disease or disorder" is about comorbidity or secondary disease, not exacerbation.
• "a state of sameness" is not related to exacerbation.
• "microorganisms that cause disease" are pathogens, not related to exacerbation.
• "something that reduces risk" is a protective factor, not exacerbation.
• "a disease that persists for a long period of time" is a chronic disease, not exacerbation.
• "a time where symptoms are diminished" is remission, the opposite of exacerbation.
• "a predicted or expected outcome of a disease" is prognosis, not exacerbation.
• "removing a small piece of tissue for examination" is a biopsy, not exacerbation.

Answer:

The option with "symptoms flare - up or become worse" (the second option in the list).