Select the meaning of the word in Bold in the sentence.
The patient’s condition was labile, so the nurses were told to keep a careful watch over him.
A.
With a high fever
B.
Rapidly changing
C.
Extremely painful
D.
Suicidal
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Rapidly changing.
In medical contexts, the term “labile” is often used to describe a condition that is unstable or fluctuating. When applied to a patient’s health status, it indicates that the patient’s vital signs, symptoms, or overall condition can change rapidly and unpredictably. For instance, a labile blood pressure might mean that the readings are not consistently within a normal range, showing significant highs and lows over short periods.
This term derives from the Latin “labilis,” meaning “slippery” or “unstable,” which captures the essence of something that is not fixed and can shift easily. In clinical settings, a labile condition requires careful monitoring because the sudden changes can lead to complications. For instance, a patient with labile blood pressure may swing from hypotension (low blood pressure) to hypertension (high blood pressure) quickly, posing risks such as shock or heart strain.
In the context of the sentence, where nurses are instructed to keep a careful watch over the patient, it reflects the critical nature of managing a labile condition. Continuous assessment is essential for timely interventions. If the patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly, immediate action may be necessary to stabilize them and prevent further health complications.
The other options provided are not accurate interpretations of “labile”:
- A. With a high fever refers specifically to fever, not a changeable condition.
- C. Extremely painful denotes a pain state, which does not correlate with the variability implied by “labile.”
- D. Suicidal relates to mental health but does not match the physical instability signified by the term.
In summary, “labile” most accurately describes a state of rapid change, making option B the correct choice.