Medical Terminology Exam 1 Practice Questions

Identify and define the root in the term subcutaneous.

cutane/o – skin

eous – pertaining to

cut/o – skin

sub – beneath

ane/o – stomach

cutane/o – skin

Explanation: Subcutaneous breaks down into sub (beneath) + cutane (skin) + ous (pertaining to). Sub is the prefix; cutane/o is the root; ous is the suffix.

Which of the following terms includes a combining vowel?

bradycardia

neuropathy

endocardium

gastritis

gastric

neuropathy

Explanation: Use a combining vowel to join a root to any suffix with a consonant: neur/o + pathy.

Which of these correctly represents a medical term built with the following roots and suffix: cardi/o + my/o + pathy?

cardiomypathy

cardimypathy

cardiomyopathy

cardimyopathy

cardiomyopathy

Explanation: Use a combining vowel to join two roots together and to join any suffix beginning with a consonant.

Which is the proper syllabic breakdown for the word catheter ?

ca/th/e/ter

cat/het/er

ca/thet/er

cath/e/ter

cath/e/ter

Which syllable is emphasized when pronouncing the word myodynia ?

MIE-oh-dih-nee-ah (first syllable)

mie-oh-dih-NEE-ah (fourth syllable)

mie-oh-dih-nee-AH (fifth syllable)

mie-oh-DIH-nee-ah (third syllable)

mie-OH-dih-nee-ah (second syllable)

mie-oh-DIH-nee-ah (third syllable)

Explanation: In most words, the emphasis usually falls on the third-to-last syllable.

Which term means "bad movement condition"?

eukinesia

dyskinesial

akinesial

dyskinesia

akinesia

dyskinesia

Explanation: dys (bad) + kines (movement) + ia (condition) = dyskinesia

Which is the proper translation of subdural?

pertaining to above the dura

condition beneath the dura

condition above the dura

pertaining to beneath the dura

pertaining to around the dura

pertaining to beneath the dura

Explanation: sub (beneath) + dur (dura) + al (pertaining to)

Identify and define the suffix in the term dysmenorrhea.

rrhea – rupture

dys – not

dys – bad

meno – muscle

rrhea – flow

rrhea – flow

Explanation: Dysmenorrhea breaks down into prefix: dys (bad) + meno (menstruation) + rrhea (flow).

Which is the proper breakdown of the word parts in the term hemarthrosis?

hem/arthros/is

hem/arthr/osis

hem/arthr/o/sis

hemarthr/osis

hem/arth/ros/is

hem/arthr/osis

Explanation: hem (blood) + arthr (joint) + osis (condition)

Identify and define the prefix in the term eugenic.

ic – cause

ic – pertaining to

gen – generation, cause

eu – bad

eu – good

eu – good

Explanation: Eugenic breaks down into prefix: eu (good) + root: gen (generation, cause) + suffix: ic (pertaining to).

Identify and define the root in the term arthroscope .

scop/e – vessel

arthr/o – joint

arthr/o – vessel

scop/e – instrument used to look

thosc/o – chest

arthr/o – joint

Explanation: Arthroscopy breaks down into arthr/o (joint) + scope (instrument used to look). Arthr/o is the root; scope is the suffix.

Which is the proper translation of cardiomyotomy?

reconstruction of the heart

removal of the heart muscle

surgical fixation of the heart

incision into the heart muscle

incision into the heart

incision into the heart muscle

Explanation: cardi/o (heart) + my/o (muscle) + tomy (incision) = incision into the heart muscle

Which of these correctly represents a medical term built with the following root and suffix: gastr/o + ic?

gastroic

gastreic

gastroc

gastric

gastric

Explanation: Do not use a combining vowel to join a suffix that begins with a vowel.

Which is the correct plural form of the word nucleus?

nuclei

nuclemata

nucles

nucleae

nuclices

nuclei

Explanation: The plural form of the suffix -us is -i.

Which is the proper translation of mycodermatitis?

pertaining to the muscle of the skin

inflammation of the skin muscle

condition of the skin muscle

inflammation of the skin caused by fungus

condition of the skin caused by fungus

inflammation of the skin caused by fungus

Explanation: myc/o (fungus) + dermat/o (skin) + itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the skin caused by fungus

Which is the proper syllabic breakdown for the word cardiac arrest ?

car/di/ac a/rrest

card/iac a/rrest

card/iac arr/est

car/di/ac arr/est

car/di/ac a/rrest

Which is the proper breakdown of the word parts in the term pathogenic?

patho/genic

pa/tho/gen/ic

patho/gen/ic

path/o/genic

path/o/gen/ic

patho/gen/ic

Explanation: path/o (suffering, disease) + gen (generation, cause) + ic (pertaining to)

Which term means "sugar deficiency"?

glycomalacia

glycopenia

glycodesis

glycorrhea

glycemia

glycopenia

Explanation: glyco (sugar) + penia (deficiency) = glycopenia

Which is the proper translation of angiogram?

instrument used to produce a record of the heart

instrument used to produce a record of the blood vessels

record of the blood vessels

record of the blood

record of the heart

record of the blood vessels

Explanation: angi/o (vessel) + gram (written record) = record of the blood vessels

Which of these correctly represents a medical term built with the following parts: hypo + glyc/o + emia?

hypoglycomia

hypoglycoemia

hypglycemia

hypoglycemia

hypoglycemia

Explanation: Do not use a combining vowel to join a suffix that begins with a vowel: hypoglycemia.

What is the meaning of the prefix contra-?

down

good

against

with

bad

against

Which is NOT a suffix used to mean "pertaining to"?

-al

-ac

-algia

-ary

-ar

-algia

Explanation: -algia is a suffix that means pain.

Which of the following prefixes are opposites?

circum-, peri-

anti-, contra-

mono-, uni-

brady-, tachy-

poly-, multi-

brady-, tachy-

Explanation: Brady- means "slow"; tachy means "fast."

What is the meaning of the suffix -oid?

resembling

suture

involuntary contraction

rupture

tumor

resembling

Translate the root hepat/o.

heart

liver

fungus

lung

small intestine

liver

Translate the prefix oligo-.

large

many

small

few

all

few

Translate the suffix -graph.​

instrument used to produce a record

process of measuring

written record

process of recording

instrument used to look

instrument used to produce a record

Thinking of medical language as sentences to be translated instead of words to be memorized allows one to

translate a few stock medical phrases.

understand only the most commonly used medical phrases.

describe all aspects of health care.

prescribe medication to patients.

break down and understand new words.

break down and understand new words.

Explanation: If you understand the way the language works, you will be able not only to know the meaning of a few individual words, but also to break down and understand words you have never seen before.

Identify the correct pronunciation for the underlined syllable in gamophobia.

gam

jam

gam

Explanation: G is hard (/g/) before a, o, or u.

The prefixes e-, ec-, and ex- all mean

through.

out.

away.

in, inside.

beneath.

out.

What is the meaning of the suffix -rrhaphy?

tumor

rupture

resembling

suture

involuntary contraction

suture

Translate the root sten/o. ​

lung

narrowing

muscle

fungus

suffering

narrowing

The root enter/o means

liver.

small intestine

large intestine

stomach.

nerve

small intestine.

The suffixes -algia and -dynia both mean

inflammation.

resembling.

pain

presence of.

abnormal softening

pain

When translating a medical term, one can usually figure out the definition by

interpreting the suffix first, then the prefix, and finally the root or roots.

interpreting the prefix first, then the root or roots, and finally the suffix.

interpreting the roots first, then the prefix, and finally the suffix.

interpreting the roots first, then the suffix, and finally the prefix.

interpreting the suffix first, then the prefix, and finally the root or roots.

Explanation: When translating a medical term, one can usually figure out the definition by interpreting the suffix first, then the prefix, and finally the root or roots.

When putting medical terms together, use a combining vowel…

to join two roots together even when the second root begins with a vowel.

to join two roots together.

to join a root to any suffix beginning with a consonant.

all of these.

none of these.

all of these.

Explanation: When putting medical terms together, use a combining vowel to join a root to any suffix beginning with a consonant, to join two roots together, and to join two roots together even when the second root begins with a vowel.

Translate the root myc/o. ​

lung

small intestine

fungus

liver

muscle

fungus

What is the meaning of the prefix poly-?

few

one

no, none

many

half

many

What is the meaning of the prefix syn-?

with, together

through

against

between

before, on behalf of

with, together

What is the meaning of the suffix -rrhexis?

suture

tumor

involuntary contraction

resembling

rupture

rupture

The diagnostic imaging process called magnetic resonance imaging is frequently called MRI. This is an example of a(n)

acronym

antonym

eponym.

synonym.

none of the these.

acronym.

Explanation: An acronym is a word made up of the first letters of each of the words that make up a phrase.

Translate the suffix -emia.

rupture

hernia

flow

tissue, structure

blood condition

blood condition

Translate the suffix -logy.

specialist in the study of

specialist in medicine of

study of

medical science

specialist

study of

What is the meaning of the root xen/o ?

dry

water

soft

foreign

hard

foreign

Identify the correct pronunciation for the underlined syllable in cyanosis.

kai

sai

sai

Explanation: C is soft (/s/) before e, i, or y.

What is the meaning of the suffix -spasm?

suture

rupture

involuntary contraction

contraction

resembling

involuntary contraction

What is the meaning of the root troph/o ?

generation, cause

eat

foreign

nourishment, development

change

nourishment, development

Translate the root morph/o. ​

eat

change

straight

cause

suffering, disease

change

Translate the root pneumon/o. ​

fungus

small intestine

lung

liver

muscle

lung

A(n) ______ is a word formed by including the name of the person who discovered or invented what is being described.

acronym

synonym

antonym

eponym

none of these

eponym

Explanation: An eponym is a word formed by including the name of the person who discovered or invented what is being described. It can also describe the disease’s first or most noteworthy diagnosed victim.

A systemic infection by definition

is a dangerous problem.

is a problem resulting from disease or injury.

is the organism that caused the problem.

stays in a certain part of the body.

infects all or most of the body.

infects all or most of the body.

When a medical professional gives a prognosis, this indicates

the risk for being sick.

the chances for things getting better or worse.

the treatment plan.

the risk for dying.

the organism that causes the problem.

the chances for things getting better or worse.

Explanation: When a medical professional gives a prognosis, this indicates the chances for things getting better or worse.

Which of the following abbreviations is NOT part of a patient’s history (either medical history or history of the illness)?

h/o

CTA

HPI

H&P

PMHx

CTA

Explanation: CTA means "clear to auscultation" or description of normal-sounding lungs and is part of the objective portion of a patient’s health record.

Which of the following notes is usually authored by a specialist and provides an expert opinion on a more challenging problem?

emergency department note

admission summary

clinic note

consult note

daily hospital/progress note

consult note

Explanation: A consult note is usually authored by a specialist who has been consulted to provide an expert opinion on a more challenging problem.

NOS and NEC are

mean "not otherwise specified" or "not elsewhere classified."

abbreviations used for symptoms and exam findings.

all of these.

catchalls for diagnoses that do not quite fit any specific cause.

all of these

Which of the following is FALSE about the SOAP method?

Most medical notes share a consistent pattern in their organization and layout that reflects the SOAP thought process.

SOAP reflects a general thought process used by most medical professionals.

SOAP is an acronym that stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.

Diagnostic work in medicine is very similar to the investigative work of a detective; thus the SOAP method begins with an analysis and ends with collecting data to confirm the diagnosis.

The SOAP method is repeated in every health care visit across all disciplines of medicine.

Diagnostic work in medicine is very similar to the investigative work of a detective; thus the SOAP method begins with an analysis and ends with collecting data to confirm the diagnosis.

Explanation: Diagnostic work in medicine begins with data collection and concludes with an analysis.

Information such as the patient's physical exam, any laboratory findings, and imaging studies performed during the visit would be contained in which part of the diagnostic process?

none of these

objective

assessment

subjective

plan

objective

Which term refers to "before surgery"?

Pre-op

OR

Post-op

PACU

L&D

Pre-op

PERRLA means

pathogen is emerging, responsive, and responsive to adversity.

physical exam has been reported, responded to, and accepted by insurance.

pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.

patient is equalized, recovering, responsive, and adjusting.

pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.

In order to treat the symptoms and make the patient feel better, a medical professional may recommend

supportive care.

reassurance.

discharge.

observation

consultation

supportive care

Read this excerpt from a patient’s health record.

PMHx

Johnny’s history is significant for tympanostomy tubes placed bilaterally when he was 2 years old. One tube left a persistent perforation in the tympanic membrane, so he had tympanoplasty at 3 years of age. He has not had any episodes of otitis media in the past 2 years.

This is the patient’s…

history of present illness

past medical history

personal social medical history.

review of systems.

chief complaint.

past medical history

Explanation: PMHx stands for "past medical history."

A review of systems is

a description of individual body systems in order to discover any symptoms not directly related to the main problem.

other significant past illnesses, like high blood pressure, asthma, or diabetes.

any significant illnesses that run in the patient's family.

a record of habits like smoking, drinking, drug abuse, and sexual practices that can impact health.

the story of the patient's problem.

a description of individual body systems in order to discover any symptoms not directly related to the main problem.

The cause is also called the

etiology

impression

sequelae

diagnosis

remission

etiology.

After a health care provider has gathered information from the patient and performed any necessary investigations, the health care provider then formulates a(n) ________________Blank, which could be a diagnosis, identification of the problem, or a differential diagnosis.

plan

subjective

objective

none of these

assessment

assessment

Explanation: After a health care provider has gathered information from the patient and performed any necessary investigations (for example: physical exams, laboratory studies, or imaging studies), the health care provider then formulates an assessment, which could be a diagnosis, identification of the problem, or a differential diagnosis.

A PACU is a(n)

intensive care unit for children.

recovery room following an operation

postanesthesia care unit

care unit for cardiac patients.

intensive care unit for patients.

postanesthesia care unit.

Which abbreviation does NOT describe the time of day in which a prescription should be taken?

AM

TID

PC

AC

QHS

TID

Explanation: TID means three times daily or "three times a day."

A medication prescribed BID is taken

once a day.

twice a day.

before meals.
after meals.

three times a day.

twice a day

Explanation: BID means twice daily or "two in a day."

The term pathogen comes from combining the roots path/o and gen/o. Which are the correct root and term definitions?

path/o (development, nourishment) + gen/o (generation, cause) = pathogen (development or nourishment of the cause)

path/o (development, nourishment) + gen/o (suffering, disease) = pathogen (development or nourishment of the suffering/disease)

path/o (suffering, disease) + gen/o (generation, cause) = pathogen (generation/cause of the suffering/disease)

path/o (generation, cause) + gen/o (suffering, disease) = pathogen (generation/cause of the suffering/disease)

path/o (suffering, disease) + gen/o (development, nourishment) = pathogen (development or nourishment of the suffering/disease)

path/o (suffering, disease) + gen/o (generation, cause) = pathogen (generation/cause of the suffering/disease)

In order for the medical professional to perform a physical examination, he asked the patient to lie down on his back. The patient is lying ________________.

proximally

supine

dorsum

caudally

prone

supine

Explanation: Supine means "lying down on the back."

Which of the following is true about the abbreviation CTA?

is an abbreviation used by medical professionals after listening (auscultation = "listen")

none of these

all of these

means "clear to auscultation"

describes normal-sounding lungs

all of these

Which of the following is NOT true about the medical term remission?

It means "to get better or improve."

It is a term that a medical professional might use in the assessment part of the health record.

It is most often used when discussing cancer.

None of these.

It means the illness has been cured.

It means the illness has been cured.

Explanation: Remission does not mean cure.

A patient has unremarkable symptoms. Unremarkable is a medical term used to mean

it stands out.

normal.

none of these.

unresponsive.

responsive.

normal.

If a patient is prone, he is

lying down on his belly.

lying down on his right side.

lying down on his back.

lying down on his left side.

standing.

lying down on his belly.

The amount of fluids a patient has taken in and produced is abbreviated

PERRLA.

BMI.

H&P.

I/O.

HPI.

I/O.

Explanation: I/O stands for input/output and refers to the amount of fluids a patient has taken in and produced.

Which of the following pairs of abbreviations are opposites?

IM, IV

PO, NPO

IV, CVL

SC, IM

NPO, PR

PO, NPO

Explanation: PO means per os or "by mouth"; NPO means nil per os or "nothing by mouth."

What is the importance of health records?

They provide a clearer picture of the best route to take in future treatment of the patient.

All of these.

They contain roadmaps to a patient’s health history.

They contain information crucial to patient care.

None of these.

All of these

A patient concern that just started recently, or is a sudden onset, severe symptom, is called

febrile.

chronic.

acute.

noncontributory.

lethargic.

acute.

A patient complains of itchy skin and has a very noticeable rash. What is an appropriate medical term to describe the rash?

marked

objective

oriented

unremarkable

auscultation

marked

Explanation: Marked means that it really stands out.

Which of the following pairs of terms are opposites?

genetic, hereditary

lethargic, malaise

exacerbation, symptom

acute, abrupt

febrile, afebrile

febrile, afebrile

Explanation: Febrile means to have a fever. Afebrile means the patient does not have a fever.

The superior vena cava is a large-diameter, yet short, vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart. It is located in the anterior right superior mediastinum. The correct definitions of anterior and superior are

front, above.

back, above.

back, below.

front, below.

front, above.

Read the following health record excerpt.

Emergency Department Course:

Elizabeth arrived in the ED lethargic but responsive. Given her history and vomiting, we were concerned about diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient’s finger stick blood sugar test result of 320 confirmed hyperglycemia, and a urinalysis revealed both glucosuria and ketonuria. An IV was started and labs were sent for review. Chemistry profile showed hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and acidemia. The pediatric intensive care team was contacted for patient transfer to the PICU.

Disposition: Transfer to PICU.

According to this excerpt, when Elizabeth arrived at the ED, she

did not look very sick and was able to answer questions and interact with health care professionals.

looked sick but was alert.

looked sick and was unable to answer questions or interact with health care professionals.

was A&O x3.

did not look very sick but acted very sick.

looked sick but was alert.

Explanation: A lethargic patient has a decrease in level of consciousness; it is a general indication that the patient is really sick. Alert is a medical term that means a patient is able to answer questions and is responsive; interactive.

The following is an excerpt from a patient’s medical record.

T: 98.5; HR: 60; RR: 20; BP: 112/70.

General: Pleasant, responsive. No acute distress.

HEENT: PERRLA. Mucous membranes moist and pink.

Resp: CTA. No wheezes, rales, rhonchi, or crackles. Good air exchange. No increased work of breathing.

According to this information, which is NOT true about the patient?

The patient’s respiratory rate is 20.

The patient’s eyes are not reacting to light.

The patient’s heart rate is 60.

The patient is afebrile.

The patient is alert.

The patient’s eyes are not reacting to light.

Explanation: PERRLA means the patient’s pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.

The following is a portion of a patient’s consult note:

Past Medical History: Noncontributory.

Past Surgical History: Balanoplasty for hypospadias at age 1.

Social History: Doug lives with his parents and older sister. He is going into kindergarten in the fall.

Family History: Paternal grandfather with polycystic kidney disease.

According to the doctor who authored this note, which of the following is true?

The patient has polycystic kidney disease.

The patient has never had any surgeries.

The patient’s PMHx is not related to this specific problem.

There is not enough information to draw any conclusions.

The patient is 10 y/o.

The patient’s PMHx is not related to this specific problem.

Explanation: The patient’s past medical history (PMHx) is noncontributory (not related to this specific problem).

Read the following discharge summary:

Hospital Course

Mrs. Collach was admitted to the medical service. She was placed on NPO status and given IVF and analgesics. An ultrasound revealed gallstones in the common bile duct as the etiology for Mrs. Collach’s pancreatitis. Surgery was consulted. On hospital day 2, Mrs. Collach was taken to the OR for laparoscopic choledocholithectomy and cholecystectomy. She tolerated the procedure well. She began a postoperative refeeding plan with a low-protein, low-fat diet. She tolerated advancing the diet, and 2 days after her surgery, her pain had improved enough that she was discharged home.

According to this summary, which of the following is true?

The ultrasound revealed gallstones as the cause of Mrs. Collach’s pancreas pain.

The ultrasound revealed gallstones, but they were noncontributory.

The ultrasound results are pending.

The ultrasound revealed the common bile duct has lesions.

The ultrasound revealed gallstones, and the cause of the pancreatitis is occult.

The ultrasound revealed gallstones as the cause of Mrs. Collach’s pancreas pain.

Explanation: The ultrasound revealed gallstones, and the cause of the pancreatitis is occult.

The term pathogen comes from combining the roots path/o and gen/o. Which are the correct root and term definitions?

The following excerpt would most accurately be classified as which kind of health care record?

Dear Dr. Childs,

Thank you for referring Mr. Samuels to my office. I saw him on March 3, 2017. Mr. Samuels has a 4-month history of increasing pain in his right distal femur. He first noticed pain after being kicked in the leg at a soccer game and was evaluated in your office 3 weeks later for persistent pain. There was a soft tissue mass in his distal femur that was tender to touch.

discharge summary

pathology report

operative report

prescription

consult note

consult note

Explanation: A consult note provides an expert opinion on a more challenging problem and can be in the form of a letter to the primary care physician.

Read the following discharge summary:

Hospital Course

Mrs. Collach was admitted to the medical service. She was placed on NPO status and given IVF and analgesics. An ultrasound revealed gallstones in the common bile duct as the etiology for Mrs. Collach’s pancreatitis. Surgery was consulted. On hospital day 2, Mrs. Collach was taken to the OR for laparoscopic choledocholithectomy and cholecystectomy. She tolerated the procedure well. She began a postoperative refeeding plan with a low-protein, low-fat diet. She tolerated advancing the diet, and 2 days after her surgery, her pain had improved enough that she was discharged home.

According to this summary, which of the following is true?

Mrs. Collach could eat a low-protein, low-fat diet when she was first admitted to the hospital.

Mrs. Collach was not allowed to have anything by mouth and was given intravenous fluids when she was first admitted to the hospital.

Mrs. Collach was given palliative care throughout her hospital stay.

Mrs. Collach spent some time in the intensive care unit.

Mrs. Collach was given a low-protein, low-fat diet before her operation.

Mrs. Collach was not allowed to have anything by mouth and was given intravenous fluids when she was first admitted to the hospital.

Explanation: Mrs. Collach was placed on NPO (nil per os = nothing by mouth) status and given IVF (intravenous fluids) and analgesics.

A patient usually has surgery in a(n)

SICU.

OR.

PACU.

ED.

ICU.

OR.

Which term refers to toward the bottom?

none of these

all of these

dorsal

caudal

cranial

caudal

Explanation: Caudal means toward the bottom, or in Latin, tail.

From which portion of a consult note is the following excerpt?

Reason for Consult: urinary retention

HPI: Mr. Johnson is a 57-year-old male with a 2-month history of difficulty voiding. He reports urgency and frequency. He has had increasing problems with a weak urinary stream. The symptoms have progressed to include mild abdominal discomfort and erectile dysfunction. He denies any incontinence, hematuria, balanorrhea, orchiodynia, or trauma. He has not tried any medicines at this point.

PMHx: Hypercholesterolemia—currently controlled with diet. Positive history of gonococcal urethritis 3 years previously. No history of urolithiasis.

subjective

prescription

plan

objective

assessment

subjective

Which of the following abbreviations and terms is NOT associated with the assessment in the SOAP method?

Mortality

WDWN

Idiopathic

DDx

Occult

WDWN

Explanation: WDWN stands for "well-developed, well-nourished" and is part of exam findings (observation).

Your belly button is located on the ________________Blank part of your body.

dorsal, lateral

anterior, medial

anterior, lateral

lateral, medial

dorsal, medial

anterior, medial

Explanation: Your belly button is located on the anterior (the front) and medial (toward the middle) part of your body.

Which is a correct interpretation of the following portion of a physical exam?

CV: RRR without murmur, gallops, or rubs.

Resp: CTA bilaterally.

Heart rate is normal; lungs are cloudy on both sides.

Heart rhythm is normal; left lung is cloudy.

Heart has a regular rate and rhythm; lungs are clear on both sides.

Heart rate is slightly elevated; lungs are clear on both sides.

Heart has a regular rate and rhythm; right lung is clear.

Heart has a regular rate and rhythm; lungs are clear on both sides.

Explanation: Heart has a regular rate and rhythm (RRR) and lungs are clear to auscultation (CTA) bilaterally (on both sides).

According to the following discharge summary, which is true about this patient?

HPI

Mrs. Roxana Collach presented to the ED with a 2-day history of increasing epigastric pain. She described the pain as constant and dull with radiation to her back. She also had progressive anorexia. She denied nausea, emesis, or diarrhea. She was febrile in the ED and had marked epigastric tenderness on exam with guarding. Her abdomen was slightly distended and she was mildly jaundiced. Her elevated amylase and lipase confirmed the suspicion of acute pancreatitis. She was admitted for pain control and IVF.

She was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Her anorexia was getting better.

She was not given intravenous fluids.

She did not have any epigastric tenderness.

She did not have a fever when she arrived.

She was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Explanation: Her elevated amylase and lipase confirmed . . . pancreatitis.

The normal blood pressure range is 90/60 to 140/90. A patient’s blood pressure has been documented at 120/80. Which of the following abbreviations describes the patient’s blood pressure?

BP NAD

BP WDWN

BP RRR

BP WNL

BP NEC

BP WNL

Explanation: BP (blood pressure) is WNL (within normal limits).

The following is an excerpt from a consult note.

PMHx:

CAD with PTCA in 20xx. Hypertension. Hypertriglyceridemia.

Medications: Beta blocker, nitroglycerin prn, ASA, antilipidemic agent.

Allergies: Penicillin.

FHx: Brother deceased from an MI at 69 years of age.

SHx: Patient does not smoke. He drinks 1-2 beers per week. Denies illicit drug use. He is married with two grown children and three grandchildren.

This information is most accurately classified as

patient history.

review of systems.

prescription plans.

past surgical history.

treatment plan.

patient history

Explanation: PMHx (past medical history), FHx (family medical history), and SHx (social history) are all part of a patient’s medical history.

Which of the abbreviations would be a correct reflection of the following Emergency Department note?

Physical Exam

Vital Signs: Temperature: 102.3; Heart Rate: 90; Respiratory Rate: 20; Blood Pressure: 112/84.

General: Well-developed and nourished, in mild discomfort. Alert and oriented x 3. ….

A. Vital Signs: T: 90; HR: 90; RRR; BP: 112/84

General: WDWN, in mild discomfort. A&Ox3

B. Vital Signs: T: 102.3; HtR: 90; RR: 20; BldPres: 112/84

General: WW, in mild discomfort. A&Ox3

C. Vital Signs: Temp: 102.3; HtR: 90; RR: 20; BP: 112/84

General: WW, in mild discomfort. Al&Orx3

D. Vital Signs: T: 102.3; HR: 90; RR: 20; BP: 112/84

General: WW, in mild discomfort. A&Ox3

E. Vital Signs: T: 102.3; HR: 90; RR: 20; BP: 112/84

General: WDWN, in mild discomfort. A&Ox3

E. Vital Signs: T: 102.3; HR: 90; RR: 20; BP: 112/84

General: WDWN, in mild discomfort. A&Ox3

Explanation: Vital Signs: Temperature (T): 102.3; Heart Rate (HR): 90; Respiratory Rate (RR): 20; Blood Pressure (BP): 112/84. General: Well-developed, well-nourished (WDWN); in mild discomfort. Alert and oriented (A&O) x3.

In the following prescription, which line gives the patient instructions?

Amoxicillin 400 mg/5ml

Sig. 5 ml PO BID x 10 days

Dispense 100ml

Refills: None

Brand name medically necessary

A. Sig. 5 ml PO BID x 10 days

B. Refills: None

C. Dispense 100ml

D. Amoxicillin 400 mg/5ml

E. Brand name medically necessary

A. Sig. 5 ml PO BID x 10 days

Explanation: The second line, marked "Sig.", contains the patient’s instructions. Sig is short for signa, in Latin means "label."

Which of the following is an accurate breakdown of the abbreviation IM?

intermedical = inter (between) + medic/o (medicine) + al (pertaining to) = information shared between medical professionals

intramuscular = intra (in, inside) + muscul/o (muscle) + ar(pertaining to) = inside a muscle

none of these

intramicrobial = intra (in, inside) + micro (small) + bial(pertaining to) = pertaining to the small microorganisms for which a prescription is dedicated

instrumental = the essential portions of a patient’s health record

intramuscular = intra (in, inside) + muscul/o (muscle) + ar(pertaining to) = inside a muscle

A patient has a rash on the top of both of his hands. Which is the correct medical term for the rash's location?

unilateral, palmar

bilateral, palmar

bilateral, dorsum

bilateral, plantar

unilateral, dorsum

bilateral, dorsum

Explanation: Dorsum refers to the top of the hand or foot. Bilateral means "both sides."