Immediate

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Immediate is a term often used in the medical field to describe something that is occurring or needs to occur right away, without any delay. This term is often used in emergency situations where immediate action is required to prevent further harm or damage.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The term "immediate" is derived from the Latin word "immediatus", which means "not intervening". In the medical context, it is used to describe a situation or condition that requires urgent attention and action. This could be a medical emergency, a sudden onset of symptoms, or a critical change in a patient's condition.

Usage in Medical Context[edit | edit source]

In the medical field, the term "immediate" is often used in various contexts. For example, in emergency medicine, immediate care is required for life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, or severe trauma. In these situations, any delay in treatment could result in serious harm or even death.

In other contexts, "immediate" might refer to the onset of symptoms. For instance, an immediate reaction to a drug would be one that occurs right after the drug is administered.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

There are several related terms that are often used in conjunction with "immediate". These include:

  • Immediate Care: This refers to the medical care that is provided immediately after an injury or illness. This could be in the form of first aid or emergency medical treatment.
  • Immediate Reaction: This refers to a reaction that occurs immediately after exposure to a certain substance or condition. This could be a drug reaction, an allergic reaction, or a reaction to a certain type of treatment.
  • Immediate Family: In a medical context, this refers to a person's closest relatives. This usually includes a person's parents, siblings, and children. In some cases, it may also include a person's spouse or partner.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Immediate Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD