NCMA Medical Terminology and Abbreviations

Question 1

What does the prefix 'brady-' mean in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

Slow

Answer

The prefix 'brady-' means slow. Examples: bradycardia (slow heart rate), bradypnea (slow breathing rate), bradykinesia (slow movement, seen in Parkinson's disease).

Question 2

Which of the following correctly defines the suffix '-ectomy'?

Accepted Answer

Surgical removal of

Answer

The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal. Examples: appendectomy (removal of appendix), cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder), mastectomy (removal of breast), hysterectomy (removal of uterus).

Question 3

The combining form 'cardi/o' refers to which body structure?

Accepted Answer

Heart

Answer

The combining form 'cardi/o' refers to the heart. Examples: cardiology (study of the heart), cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), pericardium (sac around the heart), electrocardiogram (electrical recording of the heart).

Question 4

What does the abbreviation 'PRN' mean on a medication order?

Accepted Answer

Take as needed

Answer

PRN is from Latin 'pro re nata' meaning 'for the thing born' or as the situation demands — commonly translated as 'as needed.' PRN orders specify conditions under which the medication can be given (e.g., ibuprofen 400 mg PRN pain every 6 hours).

Question 5

The term 'dysphagia' refers to difficulty with which function?

Accepted Answer

Swallowing

Answer

Dysphagia is derived from 'dys-' (difficult, painful) + 'phagia' (swallowing/eating). It describes difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or both, and can be caused by neurological conditions, esophageal disorders, or structural problems.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA Medical Terminology and Abbreviations