Medical Terminology Flashcards

The prefix "brady-" in the term bradycardia means:

Answer: Slow

"Brady-" is a prefix meaning slow. Therefore, bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute. The opposite prefix is "tachy-", meaning fast.

What does the suffix "-ectomy" mean?

Answer: Surgical removal

The suffix "-ectomy" means the surgical removal of something. For example, an appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, and a tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils.

The abbreviation "q.i.d." on a prescription means:

Answer: Four times a day

"q.i.d." is a Latin abbreviation for "quater in die," which translates to four times a day. It is important for medical assistants to accurately interpret these abbreviations for medication administration and patient instructions.

The root word "nephr/o" refers to which organ?

Answer: Kidney

The root word "nephr/o" (and "ren/o") refers to the kidney. For example, nephritis is inflammation of the kidney, and a nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases.

A patient lying on their back with their face upward is in what position?

Answer: Supine

The supine position involves the patient lying horizontally with the face and torso facing up. This is the opposite of the prone position, where the patient lies face down. It is a common position for examinations and medical procedures.

What does the abbreviation "NPO" stand for?

Answer: Nothing by mouth

NPO is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "nil per os," which means "nothing by mouth." This medical instruction means to withhold all food and fluids from a patient, often in preparation for surgery or a medical procedure.

The term "cholecystitis" refers to the inflammation of the:

Answer: Gallbladder

The term is broken down as "chole-" (bile), "cyst-" (bladder), and "-itis" (inflammation). Together, it means inflammation of the gallbladder, the organ that stores bile.