NBCMI Medical Terminology: Procedures 3

Question 1

What is a 'lumbar puncture' (spinal tap)?

Accepted Answer

Collecting cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back for diagnosing meningitis, MS, or cancer

Answer

A lumbar puncture collects CSF from the subarachnoid space for diagnostic testing.

Question 2

What is 'intubation' and when is it performed?

Accepted Answer

Placing a tube into the trachea to maintain airway and assist breathing during surgery or emergencies

Answer

Intubation secures the airway by inserting an endotracheal tube through the mouth into the trachea.

Question 3

What does 'debridement' involve in wound care?

Accepted Answer

Removing dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing

Answer

Debridement removes necrotic, damaged, or infected tissue to facilitate healing.

Question 4

What is 'angioplasty'?

Accepted Answer

Widening narrowed blood vessels using a balloon catheter, often with stent placement

Answer

Angioplasty threads a catheter with balloon to a narrowed artery, inflates to restore blood flow, usually with stent placement.

Question 5

What is 'chemotherapy' and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Systemic drugs killing rapidly dividing cells, targeting cancer but also affecting some normal cells

Answer

Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs targeting rapidly dividing cells throughout the body.

NBCMI - National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters Practice Test