Medical Terminology & Drug Classifications Flashcards

What does the prefix 'cardio-' refer to?

Answer: Heart

In medical terminology, the prefix 'cardio-' is derived from the Greek word "kardia," meaning heart. It is commonly used in terms like cardiology (study of the heart), cardiovascular (relating to the heart and blood vessels), and cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle). Understanding this prefix helps in deciphering many medical terms related to the circulatory system.

Which term refers to inflammation?

Answer: -itis

The suffix '-itis' is a common medical term used to denote inflammation of an organ or tissue. For example, appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix, bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, and arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Recognizing this suffix helps in understanding various inflammatory conditions.

What class of drug is used to reduce pain?

Answer: Analgesics

Analgesics are a class of drugs specifically designed to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. They work through various mechanisms to reduce the perception of pain, ranging from over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to stronger prescription opioids. This makes them distinct from other drug classes like antipyretics (fever reducers) or antibiotics (infection fighters).

Which of the following is a beta-blocker?

Answer: Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a well-known medication that belongs to the class of drugs called beta-blockers, which are primarily used to treat cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, slowing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. The other options (Lisinopril, Furosemide, Omeprazole) belong to different drug classes.

What does 'subcutaneous' refer to?

Answer: Under the skin

The term 'subcutaneous' is a medical directional term derived from Latin. 'Sub-' means under, and 'cutaneous' refers to the skin. Therefore, a subcutaneous injection or administration means introducing a substance into the layer of tissue directly beneath the skin, but above the muscle.

What is the meaning of 'antihypertensive'?

Answer: Lowers blood pressure

The term 'antihypertensive' is composed of two parts: 'anti-' meaning against, and 'hypertensive' referring to high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, an antihypertensive medication is specifically designed to counteract or reduce high blood pressure. These drugs work through various mechanisms to achieve this effect, helping to prevent cardiovascular complications.

What does the suffix '-ectomy' mean?

Answer: Removal

In medical terminology, the suffix '-ectomy' consistently indicates the surgical removal of an organ or part of the body. For example, an appendectomy is the removal of the appendix, and a tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils. This suffix is crucial for understanding surgical procedures.

Which medication is an antibiotic?

Answer: Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a common penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are a specific class of drugs designed to combat bacterial pathogens. The other options listed are for different conditions: Metformin (diabetes), Atorvastatin (high cholesterol), and Amlodipine (high blood pressure).

What does 'bid' stand for in prescriptions?

Answer: Twice a day

In medical prescriptions, 'bid' is a common abbreviation derived from the Latin phrase 'bis in die,' which literally translates to 'twice in a day.' This instruction directs patients to take the prescribed medication two times within a 24-hour period. Understanding such abbreviations is vital for medication adherence and patient safety.