HOSA Medical Terminology Basics - Chapter 1

Comprehensive practice questions covering medical word parts, decoding rules, pronunciation, pluralization, disease classifications, and abbreviations from Chapter 1.

What are the three basic word parts used to form most medical terms?

Combining forms (root word plus a combining vowel), prefixes, and suffixes.

What is the primary function of a root word in a medical term?

It is the central part of the word and usually indicates a body part.

Which letter is the most common combining vowel used in medical terminology?

The letter o.

What is the definition of a 'combining form'?

A root word plus a combining vowel.

What do prefixes usually indicate when attached to a medical root word?

Location, time, or number.

Where is a suffix attached in a medical term and what does it usually indicate?

It is attached to the end of a root word and usually indicates a condition, disease, diagnostic procedure, or surgical or therapeutic treatment.

What is the general three-step process for 'decoding' or reading a medical term?

1. Interpret the suffix; 2. Return to the beginning of the word to interpret the prefix (if present); 3. Work forward to interpret the root word.

According to the pronunciation rules, how does the letter 'c' sound when it comes before 'e', 'i', or 'y'?

It sounds like a soft s.

What is the phonetic pronunciation rule for the letter combination 'pn' in words like pneumonia?

The 'pn' sounds like n.

In Irregular plural forms, if a singular medical term ends in '-is', what does the plural ending become?

-es (example: prosthesis becomes prostheses).

Define the combining forms 'rhin/o' and 'nas/o'.

Nose.

Define the combining form 'nephr/o'.

Kidney.

What does the combining form 'enter/o' refer to?

Intestines (usually the small intestine).

What is the meaning of the prefix 'brady-'?

Slow.

Define the prefix 'endo-'.

In; within.

What does the suffix '-megaly' indicate?

Enlargement.

Define the suffix '-plasty'.

Surgical repair.

What is 'etiology'?

The study of the causes of pathological conditions, or diseases and disorders.

How does the transcript distinguish between a 'condition' and a 'disease'?

A condition applies to acute (short-term) health issues, while a disease describes a chronic (long-term) health issue.

Describe an 'autoimmune' condition.

An abnormal condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against (attacks) its own tissues.

What does the term 'congenital' mean?

A condition that is present at birth.

Differentiate between 'endogenous' and 'exogenous' injuries.

Endogenous originates within the body; exogenous originates outside the body.

What is an 'idiopathic' disease?

A disease that has an unknown etiology (cause).

What do the medical abbreviations 'NPO' and 'stat' mean?

NPO means nothing by mouth; stat means immediately.

According to the Case Study, what is an 'exploratory laparotomy'?

A surgical procedure in which small incisions are made in the patient's abdomen and a camera is inserted to see what is happening inside.

What is the role of a 'Medical Coder'?

They assign special codes to patient medical records for billing based on evaluation and treatment.

What is the meaning of the prefix 'dys-'?

Bad, difficult, or painful.

Define the prefix 'tachy-'.

Fast or rapid.

What does the suffix '-ectomy' indicate?

Surgical removal of a body part.

What does the combining form 'neur/o' refer to?

Nerve or nervous system.

Define the prefix 'a-' or 'an-'.

Without, lacking, or absence of.

What does the suffix '-algia' mean?

Pain.

What does the prefix 'ante-' signify?

Before or in front of.

What does the suffix '-osis' indicate?

A condition, usually abnormal.

Define the prefix 'peri-'.

Around or surrounding.

What does the combining form 'dermat/o' refer to?

Skin.

What does the prefix 'hypo-' mean?

Below normal or deficiency.

Define the prefix 'inter-'.

Between or among.

What does the suffix '-gram' indicate?

A record or picture.

What is the meaning of the suffix '-sclerosis'?

Hardening of a tissue or organ.

Define the prefix 'trans-'.

Across, through, or beyond.

What does the combining form 'hepat/o' refer to?

Liver.

What does the suffix '-plasm' mean?

Formation or substance.

What does the prefix 'post-' signify?

After or behind.

Define the combining form 'osteo/o'.

Bone.

What does the suffix '-cyte' indicate?

Cell.

WNL

Within Normal Limits.

CBC

Complete Blood Count, a test used to evaluate overall health and detect a variety of disorders.

NKDU

No Known Drug Use.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, an emergency procedure performed to restore blood circulation and breathing.

PRN

Pro re nata, meaning as needed.

BMI

Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

NPO

Nil Per Os, meaning nothing by mouth.

DNR

Do Not Resuscitate, a medical order to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

TID

Ter in die, meaning three times a day.

QID

Quater in die, meaning four times a day.

H&P

History and Physical, a document that summarizes a patient's medical history and physical examination findings.

SOAP

Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan; a method of documentation for healthcare providers to organize patient information.

EMR

Electronic Medical Record, a digital version of the paper charts in a clinician's office.

VS

Vital Signs, measurements of the body's most basic functions: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

IP

Inpatient, a patient who stays in a hospital while receiving medical care.

OP

Outpatient, a patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.

IV

Intravenous, a method of delivering fluids and medications directly into a vein.

CT

Computed Tomography, an imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a medical imaging technique used to visualize detailed internal structures using magnetic fields and radio waves.