Guarded Prognosis? - General Students, Support, Stories - Allnurses

lalopop86

94 Posts

Hi all, could anyone tell me what it means to have a guarded prognosis?

I went to the hospital today to collect my pt assignment/information for clinical tomorrow and I read in the doctor's notes that the pt's "prognosis is guarded."

My instructor wasn't there and the unit was busy so it wasn't a good time to ask the nurses. Thanks in advance.

• + Join the Discussion

3 Answers

• Sort by votes
• Sort by date

• Good answer?
• Sign In

Double-Helix, BSN, RN

3,377 Posts

Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

For example, in our ICU, the patient condition is listed as:

• Fair
• Poor
• Guarded
• Critical

Think of it as an answer to a questionnaire, "How likely is this patient to recover with no complications?"

• Likely
• Somewhat Likely
• Unlikely
• Very Unlikely

If your patient is unlikely to recover without complications, then his prognosis is guarded.

This is used only on admission (in my unit) to assess how unstable or sick the patient really is and how much care they are anticipated to need.

It's also likely used for insurance purposes (I.e. justifying a transfer to the ICU). The patient's condition and thus their prognosis may be constantly changing.

• Good answer?
• Sign In


Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

It just means they are pretty sick and have a long road ahead of them, they will probably get well but it will be a long haul. :)

• Good answer?
• Sign In


AgentBeast, MSN, RN

1,974 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

There is a 50% chance the patient will get better 50% chance they will get worse. The physician really doesn't have a clue at this point.

+ Join the Discussion Featured Guides
• Differential Assessment for Abdominal Pain: A Clinical Case Study for Nurses and Students
• Violence Against Nurses 2026: Crisis Data & Legislative Solutions
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): 2026 Career, Salary, and Education Guide
• The 2026 Regulatory Cliff: Will Your NP Practice Independence Sunset This July?
• Labor and Delivery Nurse: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Advanced Clinical Guide & Nursing Considerations
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: 2026 Salary, Roles, and Certification Guide
• The Fallout Continues: Operation Nightingale Enters Phase II as States Purge Fake Credentials