Which term indicates when a surgical procedure is needed to address a threat to the patient's life or limb?

The term that indicates a surgical procedure is required to address an immediate threat to a patient's life or limb is "emergent." An emergent situation necessitates immediate action, as delays can lead to serious consequences, including death or permanent damage. In the context of surgery, this means that the procedure must be performed without delay to stabilize the patient’s condition.

In contrast, "elective" refers to surgeries that are planned in advance and are not urgent or critical. "Urgent" indicates that a procedure is necessary soon but not as immediately critical as emergent cases; there may be a window of time to address the issue. "Non-urgent" suggests that the surgical procedure can be scheduled at a later time without significant risk to the patient. Understanding these distinctions is essential for prioritizing patient care effectively.