Medical Terminology Flashcards

What does the abbreviation "ac" mean when it appears on a prescription?

Answer: Before Meals

The abbreviation 'ac' on a prescription comes from the Latin phrase 'ante cibum,' which means 'before food' or 'before meals.' This instruction indicates that the medication should be taken prior to eating. Understanding such abbreviations is crucial for correct and safe medication administration.

The meaning of the letter "M" or "Mitte" on prescription labels is

Answer: Quantity of Drug

On prescription labels, 'M' or 'Mitte' is a Latin abbreviation that stands for 'Mitte,' meaning 'send' or 'dispense.' It indicates the quantity of the drug to be dispensed to the patient. For example, 'Mitte #30' instructs the pharmacist to dispense 30 units of the medication.

Which of the following acronyms is no longer advised due to the possibility of pharmaceutical errors?

Answer: IU

The abbreviation 'IU' for International Unit is on the 'Do Not Use' list by organizations like the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and The Joint Commission. It is frequently mistaken for 'IV' (intravenous) or '10' (ten), leading to potentially fatal medication errors due to misinterpretation. Eliminating its use reduces the risk of such errors.

How would you describe "hemorrhage"?

Answer: The loss of blood from damaged blood vessels

Hemorrhage is the medical term for the escape of blood from a ruptured or damaged blood vessel. It refers specifically to significant blood loss, which can occur internally within the body or externally. This definition accurately describes the physiological event of bleeding, distinguishing it from specific locations or causes of blood in bodily fluids.

What does hepatitis mean?

Answer: Inflammation of the liver

Hepatitis is a medical term derived from Greek, where 'hepar' means liver and '-itis' means inflammation. Therefore, hepatitis literally means inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, alcohol, or autoimmune diseases, leading to potential liver damage and dysfunction.

What does pathology mean?

Answer: The study of disease

Pathology is derived from the Greek words 'pathos' meaning disease or suffering, and '-logia' meaning the study of. Therefore, it literally translates to the study of disease. This medical field focuses on understanding the causes, development, and effects of diseases on the body, often through laboratory analysis of tissues and fluids.

What does hemiplegia refer to?

Answer: Paralysis of one side of the body

Hemiplegia is a medical term composed of 'hemi-', meaning half, and '-plegia', meaning paralysis. It specifically refers to the paralysis affecting one side of the body, which can impact the arm, leg, and sometimes the face on that side. This condition is often caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, such as from a stroke.

What does tachycardia mean?

Answer: Rapid heart rate

Tachycardia is a medical term formed from 'tachy-', meaning rapid or fast, and '-cardia', referring to the heart. Thus, it describes a condition where the heart beats at an abnormally rapid rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. This can be a normal response to exercise or stress, but can also indicate an underlying medical issue.

What does "osteogenic" entail?

Answer: Originating in the bone

The term 'osteogenic' is derived from 'osteo-', meaning bone, and '-genic', meaning originating or producing. Therefore, it specifically refers to something that originates in the bone or is involved in the formation of bone tissue. An example is osteogenic cells, which are responsible for bone development.

What is meant by "dysphagia"?

Answer: Difficulty swallowing

Dysphagia is a medical term combining 'dys-', meaning difficulty or impairment, and '-phagia', referring to eating or swallowing. Consequently, it describes the symptom of difficulty swallowing food or liquids. This condition can range from mild discomfort to complete inability to swallow, often indicating an underlying medical issue in the throat or esophagus.

How would you define "aphasia"?

Answer: Inability to speak or understand speech

Aphasia is a language disorder resulting from damage to parts of the brain responsible for language. The term combines 'a-', meaning without, and '-phasia', meaning speech. It impairs a person's ability to communicate, affecting their capacity to speak, understand speech, read, or write.