Which term describes the expected outcome of a patient's condition?

The term that describes the expected outcome of a patient's condition is prognosis. Prognosis refers to the likelihood of a patient recovering or the anticipated course of a disease based on clinical experience and statistical data. It considers various factors such as the nature of the illness, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of potential treatments.

In a clinical context, understanding prognosis helps healthcare providers and patients set realistic expectations regarding the future of the patient's health condition. It is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and planning appropriate follow-up care.

The other terms do not relate to expected outcomes in the same way. Retention generally refers to the act of keeping or holding on to something, often used in different contexts such as education or fluid levels in the body. Rationale refers to the reasoning or justification behind a decision or action, rather than an outcome. Respiration involves the process of breathing and does not directly indicate the expected future state of a patient's health. Thus, prognosis is the correct term to denote the anticipated course and outcome for a patient.