CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in a patient's care plan?
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- No physical orders
- Normal pulse observed
- Neurology protocol only
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth, indicating the patient should not eat or drink.
Question 2: The medical term 'dyspnea' refers to which symptom?
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing (Correct answer)
- Painful urination
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Correct answer: Difficulty breathing
Dyspnea means difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and is an important symptom to report immediately.
Question 3: What does 'BID' mean when noted on a medication schedule?
- Before important dose
- Twice a day (Correct answer)
- Three times a day
- Before intake of daily meds
Correct answer: Twice a day
BID is derived from the Latin 'bis in die,' meaning twice a day.
Question 4: A patient's chart notes 'c/o chest pain.' What does 'c/o' mean?
- Care of
- Complains of (Correct answer)
- Concerned observation
- Coughing onset
Correct answer: Complains of
'c/o' is a standard charting abbreviation meaning 'complains of,' indicating what the patient is reporting.
Question 5: What does the suffix '-ectomy' indicate in a medical term?
- Inflammation of
- Surgical removal of (Correct answer)
- Disease of
- Incision into
Correct answer: Surgical removal of
The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal, as in appendectomy (removal of the appendix).
Question 6: What does 'HTN' stand for in medical documentation?
- Head trauma noted
- Hypertension (Correct answer)
- Heart tone normal
- High toxin nutrition
Correct answer: Hypertension
HTN is the standard abbreviation for hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.
Question 7: The term 'edema' describes which condition?
- Skin redness
- Swelling caused by fluid accumulation (Correct answer)
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased urine output
Correct answer: Swelling caused by fluid accumulation
Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, often seen in the ankles and legs.
CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 3
What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in a patient's care plan?