Which term is used to indicate that a patient should receive treatment without delay?

The term that signifies a patient should receive treatment without delay is "STAT." This term is derived from the Latin word "statim," meaning "immediately." In healthcare settings, when a treatment, medication, or intervention is labeled as "STAT," it conveys the urgent need for prompt action, often to address a critical or time-sensitive situation.

Using "STAT" effectively ensures that healthcare professionals prioritize the particular patient's needs, potentially preventing deterioration of their condition or addressing an emergency situation. This urgency is crucial in environments like hospitals, where timely intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The other terms do not convey an urgent command for immediate treatment in the same way. For example, "WNL" stands for "within normal limits," which refers to test results or vital signs that fall within expected ranges but does not indicate urgency. "BRP" stands for "bathroom privileges," a term used regarding patient mobility rather than urgent care. "AIDS" refers to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a medical condition rather than a directive about treatment urgency. Understanding these distinctions is important for interpreting medical terminology accurately.