CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'SOB' stand for in nursing documentation?
- Soft or brittle (bone)
- Shortness of breath (Correct answer)
- Signs of bleeding
- Side of bed
Correct answer: Shortness of breath
SOB stands for shortness of breath and is a critical symptom that must be reported to the nurse promptly.
Question 2: The prefix 'brady-' in medical terminology means what?
- Fast
- Slow (Correct answer)
- Absent
- Irregular
Correct answer: Slow
The prefix 'brady-' means slow, as in bradycardia (slow heart rate) or bradypnea (slow breathing).
Question 3: What does 'I&O' refer to in patient care?
- In-service and orientation
- Intake and output (Correct answer)
- Inspection and observation
- Insulin and oxygen
Correct answer: Intake and output
I&O stands for intake and output, which refers to measuring all fluids a patient takes in and all fluids excreted.
Question 4: A patient's record shows 'Fx of R hip.' What does 'Fx' mean?
- Flexion
- Fracture (Correct answer)
- Function
- Fixed
Correct answer: Fracture
Fx is the standard medical abbreviation for fracture.
Question 5: What does the term 'ambulate' mean in a care plan?
- To use an ambulance
- To walk or move about (Correct answer)
- To transfer to another facility
- To assist with breathing
Correct answer: To walk or move about
To ambulate means to walk or move around, and CNAs often assist patients with ambulation as part of daily care.
Question 6: What does 'PRN' mean on a care plan or medication order?
- Per routine nursing
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Primary registered nurse
- Prior to night shift
Correct answer: As needed
PRN comes from the Latin 'pro re nata,' meaning as needed or as the situation arises.
Question 7: The medical term 'diaphoresis' refers to which observation?
- Difficulty hearing
- Excessive sweating (Correct answer)
- Bluish skin discoloration
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Correct answer: Excessive sweating
Diaphoresis means excessive sweating and can be a sign of serious conditions such as a heart attack or shock.
CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 4
What does 'SOB' stand for in nursing documentation?