CELBAN CELBAN Medical Terminology and Nursing Vocabulary 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse reads 'edema noted in bilateral lower extremities.' What does this describe?
- Pain in both legs
- Swelling in both lower legs and feet (Correct answer)
- Numbness below the knees
- Bruising on both ankles
Correct answer: Swelling in both lower legs and feet
Edema refers to swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissue, and bilateral lower extremities means both legs and feet.
Question 2: The abbreviation 'SOB' in a nursing note most likely refers to which condition?
- Sudden onset of bleeding
- Shortness of breath (Correct answer)
- Signs of bruising
- Swelling of the bowel
Correct answer: Shortness of breath
In clinical documentation, SOB is a widely used abbreviation for shortness of breath, a common respiratory complaint.
Question 3: Which word correctly completes this nursing note: 'The patient reports _____ in the left lower quadrant, rated 7/10 on the pain scale'?
- crepitus
- erythema
- tenderness (Correct answer)
- pallor
Correct answer: tenderness
Tenderness refers to pain or discomfort felt when an area is touched or pressed, and it is appropriate in the context of a pain scale rating.
Question 4: A patient is ordered 'oral rehydration therapy.' Which intervention does this involve?
- Administering IV fluids through a catheter
- Encouraging fluid intake by mouth (Correct answer)
- Restricting fluid consumption
- Providing tube feeding
Correct answer: Encouraging fluid intake by mouth
Oral rehydration therapy involves giving fluids and electrolytes by mouth to treat or prevent dehydration.
Question 5: What does the medical term 'tachycardia' indicate on a patient monitor?
- Heart rate below 60 bpm
- Heart rate above 100 bpm (Correct answer)
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Absent heart sounds
Correct answer: Heart rate above 100 bpm
Tachycardia means a heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute, derived from the Greek 'tachys' (fast) and 'kardia' (heart).
Question 6: Which phrase best describes 'ambulating' in a nursing care plan?
- Resting in bed
- Walking or moving about (Correct answer)
- Performing wound care
- Receiving intravenous fluids
Correct answer: Walking or moving about
Ambulating refers to the act of walking or moving about, and encouraging ambulation is a key nursing intervention for recovery.
CELBAN CELBAN Medical Terminology and Nursing Vocabulary 2
A nurse reads 'edema noted in bilateral lower extremities.' What does this describe?