Chapter 1: Medical Terminology CCMA Certification Prep

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering medical terminology fundamentals (roots, prefixes, suffixes, combining forms), lay-term translations, directional and positional vocabulary, Erikson's developmental stages, stressors, communication strategies, defense mechanisms, and stages of grief for CCMA prep.

Word Root

The word part that forms the core meaning of a medical term; most medical terms contain one, but some contain two or more.

Combining Form

A word root joined with a combining vowel (most commonly "o", occasionally "i" or "e") to facilitate smoother pronunciation.

Combining Vowel Rule (Suffixes)

A combining vowel is used when the suffix begins with a consonant, but omitted when the suffix begins with a vowel.

Combining Vowel Rule (Multiple Roots)

When connecting two word roots together, always use a combining vowel, even if the second root starts with a vowel.

Prefix

A word component that appears at the beginning of a term to modify or change the meaning of the word root that follows.

Suffix

A word component that appears at the end of a word, typically indicating a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech.

Aden

Word root meaning gland.

Phleb

Word root meaning vein.

Thromb

Word root meaning clot.

Chondr

Word root meaning cartilage.

Cost

Word root meaning rib.

Dactyl

Word root meaning finger or toe.

Spondyl, Vertebr

Word roots meaning vertebra.

Icter

Word root meaning jaundice.

Lapar

Word root meaning abdominal wall.

Gloss, Lingu

Word roots meaning tongue.

Stomat

Word root meaning mouth.

Blephar

Word root meaning eyelid.

Esthesi

Word root meaning sensation.

Myring

Word root meaning eardrum.

Myel

Word root meaning spinal cord or bone marrow.

Hidr

Word root meaning sweat.

Trich

Word root meaning hair.

Onych

Word root meaning nail.

Xer

Word root meaning dry.

Narc

Word root meaning numbness, stupor, or sleep.

Necr

Word root meaning death.

Pyo

Word root meaning pus.

Pyr

Word root meaning fever or heat.

Brady-

Prefix meaning slow.

Tachy-

Prefix meaning fast.

Dys-

Prefix meaning painful, abnormal, difficult, or bad.

Eu-

Prefix meaning normal or good.

Levo-

Prefix meaning to the left.

Nulli-

Prefix meaning none.

Primi-

Prefix meaning first.

Presby-

Prefix meaning older age.

Sten-

Prefix meaning narrowed.

-centesis

Suffix meaning surgical puncture.

-clasis

Suffix meaning break down.

-desis

Suffix meaning stabilization or binding.

-ectomy

Suffix meaning removal or excision.

-pexy

Suffix meaning fixation, to put in place.

-plasty

Suffix meaning surgical repair or reformation.

-stomy

Suffix meaning new opening.

-tomy

Suffix meaning incision.

-tripsy

Suffix meaning crushing.

-cele

Suffix meaning swelling or herniation.

-ectasis

Suffix meaning dilation or expansion.

-malacia

Suffix meaning softening or weakening of.

-penia

Suffix meaning deficiency or decrease.

-ptosis

Suffix meaning drooping or falling.

-rrhage

Suffix meaning bursting forth.

-rrhea

Suffix meaning flow or discharge.

-rrhexis

Suffix meaning rupture.

Teach-Back Method

A technique to verify patient understanding by asking them to repeat back instructions or information in their own words.

Hypertension (Lay Language)

High blood pressure.

Angina (Lay Language)

Chest pain.

Alopecia (Lay Language)

Hair loss.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) (Lay Language)

Stroke.

Myocardial Infarction (Lay Language)

Heart attack.

Syncope (Lay Language)

Fainting or temporary loss of consciousness.

Vertigo (Lay Language)

Dizziness or spinning sensation.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lay Language)

Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position where the body stands upright, face forward, arms at sides, palms forward, and toes pointing ahead.

Supine

Position in which the patient lies flat on the back, face upward.

Prone

Position in which the patient lies flat on the stomach, face downward.

Dorsal Recumbent

Position where the patient lies on the back with knees bent and feet flat; commonly used for pelvic or urinary exams.

Fowler Position

Sitting upright with the back elevated at a $90^\circ$ angle; used for respiratory distress or post-surgical recovery.

Semi-Fowler's Position

Sitting with the back elevated to approximately $30\text{--}45^\circ$; commonly used for patient comfort and easier breathing.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the body’s trunk or point of attachment.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the body’s trunk or point of attachment.

Dextrad

Directional term meaning toward the right side of the body.

Sinistrad

Directional term meaning toward the left side of the body.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's stage in infancy ($0\text{--}1\text{ year}$); positive outcome is confidence and safety, while negative outcome is fear and insecurity.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson's stage in toddlerhood ($1\text{--}3\text{ years}$); involves developing independence and self-control versus doubt and shame caused by overly critical caregivers.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's stage in preschool ($3\text{--}6\text{ years}$); balances curiosity with limits to achieve confidence and creativity versus guilt and hesitation.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's stage in school-age children ($6\text{--}12\text{ years}$); centers on developing a sense of competence and pride through accomplishments versus inferiority.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's stage in adolescence ($12\text{--}18\text{ years}$); focused on forming a clear personal identity and values versus role confusion.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's stage in young adulthood ($18\text{--}40\text{ years}$); revolves around forming loving, committed relationships versus isolation and loneliness.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's stage in middle adulthood ($40\text{--}65\text{ years}$); centers on contributing to the next generation through work, family, or community versus stagnation.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's stage in older adults ($65+\text{ years}$); involves reflecting on life and achieving wisdom and fulfillment versus regret and despair.

White-Coat Syndrome

A temporary rise in blood pressure experienced during a clinical appointment, serving as a common sign of anxiety in medical settings.

Environmental Stressors

Surrounding factors that cause physical or emotional strain, such as pollution, noise, extreme weather, discrimination, or natural disasters.

Socioeconomic Stressors

Financial and social pressures causing stress, including job loss, debt, housing instability, retirement, or healthcare costs.

Reflection (Communication)

A therapeutic communication technique where the healthcare worker repeats or rephrases the patient's statement to show understanding and encourage elaboration.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious coping strategies individuals use to protect themselves from negative emotions such as guilt, anxiety, fear, and shame.

Conversion (Defense Mechanism)

Turning anxiety or emotional distress into an actual physical symptom.

Displacement (Defense Mechanism)

Redirecting emotions from the original source toward a less-threatening substitute object or person.

Projection (Defense Mechanism)

Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, faults, or impulses onto other people.

Reaction Formation

A defense mechanism characterized by acting in a manner directly opposite to one's true subconscious feelings.

Sublimation (Defense Mechanism)

Channeling unacceptable or negative impulses into socially productive, positive actions.

Suppression (Defense Mechanism)

The conscious, intentional act of setting aside or avoiding unpleasant thoughts or conflicts.

Anticipatory Grief

The process of mourning, grieving, and preparing emotionally before an actual loss or death occurs.

Kübler-Ross Model

The framework describing the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.