A “guarded prognosis” means there is uncertainty about a patient’s chances of recovery, based on how serious their condition is and their overall health. In most cases, a guarded prognosis suggests that the chances of improvement may be low.
A prognosis is a medical prediction about what may happen with a patient’s health over time. Doctors make this prediction based on the person’s current health status and the scientific knowledge available about the disease being treated. A person’s chance of recovery may be considered favorable or unfavorable.