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Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations Flashcards

7 cards from real CNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations flashcards as text

  1. What does 'CVA' stand for in medical terms?

    Answer: Cerebrovascular accident

    CVA stands for cerebrovascular accident, the medical term for a stroke, caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain.

  2. What does the suffix '-itis' indicate in a medical term?

    Answer: Inflammation

    The suffix '-itis' means inflammation, as in arthritis (joint inflammation) or appendicitis (appendix inflammation).

  3. A care plan states 'HOB elevated 30°.' What does 'HOB' stand for?

    Answer: Head of bed

    HOB stands for head of bed, and elevating it is a common intervention to prevent aspiration or improve breathing.

  4. The medical term 'cyanosis' describes which finding?

    Answer: Bluish discoloration of the skin

    Cyanosis is a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood.

  5. What does 'ADL' stand for in nursing care?

    Answer: Activities of daily living

    ADL stands for activities of daily living, which include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting — tasks CNAs assist patients with.

  6. What does the prefix 'hemi-' mean in medical terminology?

    Answer: Half

    The prefix 'hemi-' means half, as in hemiplegia, which refers to paralysis on one side (half) of the body.

  7. In charting, what does 'WNL' stand for?

    Answer: Within normal limits

    WNL stands for within normal limits and is used to indicate that findings are in the expected normal range.