CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 3

Question 1

What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in a patient's care plan?

Accepted Answer

Nothing by mouth

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty breathing

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Twice a day

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Complains of

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Surgical removal of

Answer

The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal, as in appendectomy (removal of the appendix).

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