NCMA Medical Terminology and Abbreviations 2

Question 1

What does 'HEENT' stand for in a physical examination documentation?

Accepted Answer

Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat

Answer

HEENT is a standard physical examination abbreviation for Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat. It represents the systems reviewed in the head and neck portion of a physical examination.

Question 2

The medical term 'hematuria' means:

Accepted Answer

Blood in the urine

Answer

Hematuria is derived from 'hemat/o' (blood) + 'uria' (urine condition). It describes the presence of red blood cells in the urine, which can be visible (gross hematuria) or detectable only on urinalysis (microscopic hematuria).

Question 3

Which of the following abbreviations should be avoided in medical documentation because of potential for misinterpretation?

Accepted Answer

U (units)

Answer

The abbreviation 'U' for 'units' is on the ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) dangerous abbreviations list because 'U' can be misread as '0' (zero) or '4,' leading to 10-fold medication dosing errors. 'Units' should always be written out in full.

Question 4

The suffix '-plasty' refers to what type of medical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Surgical repair or reconstruction of a body part

Answer

The suffix '-plasty' means surgical repair or reconstruction. Examples: rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction), arthroplasty (joint repair/replacement), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck/abdominal repair), angioplasty (repair of a blood vessel).

Question 5

What does the medical abbreviation 'NPO' mean, and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

Nothing by Mouth (nulla per os) — used when the patient must have no oral intake, such as before surgery or a procedure requiring sedation

Answer

NPO stands for 'nulla per os' (Latin for 'nothing by mouth'). It is used when patients must fast, typically for 4–8+ hours before surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia, to reduce the risk of aspiration.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA Medical Terminology and Abbreviations 2