Acute vs. Chronic

Definition

Acute vs. Chronic is a prioritization principle: acute, new-onset problems generally take priority over chronic, long-standing conditions. Unless the chronic condition is acutely worsening.

Examples

• Acute chest pain in a patient with chronic stable angina = priority
• New-onset confusion in a patient with chronic dementia = priority
• Chronic stable hypertension = lower priority than acute symptomatic hypotension

Exception

If a chronic condition shows signs of acute decompensation (e.g., sudden worsening dyspnea in stable CHF), it becomes acute and takes priority.

NCLEX Relevance

Standard triage logic. Pair with ABCs and stability rules.