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Medical Terminology and Abbreviations Flashcards

6 cards from real NCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which term correctly describes the condition of an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood?

    Answer: Thrombocytopenia

    Thrombocytopenia is derived from 'thrombocyte' (platelet) + 'penia' (deficiency). It describes a platelet count below the normal range (<150,000/μL), increasing bleeding risk. Causes include immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), drug reactions, bone marrow suppression, and DIC.

  2. The prefix 'hypo-' combined with 'glyc/o' (sugar) and '-emia' (blood condition) creates what term, and what does it mean?

    Answer: Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar

    Hypoglycemia = hypo- (below/under) + glyc/o (sugar/glucose) + -emia (blood condition) = abnormally low blood glucose level. In clinical practice, hypoglycemia is typically defined as blood glucose <70 mg/dL.

  3. Which of the following correctly defines the medical term 'periorbital'?

    Answer: Around the eye socket/orbit

    Periorbital means 'around the orbit (eye socket).' It is composed of 'peri-' (around) + 'orbital' (relating to the bony orbit housing the eye). Periorbital edema (puffiness around the eyes) is a common clinical finding.

  4. In medical terminology, what does the suffix '-stenosis' mean?

    Answer: Abnormal narrowing of a passage or vessel

    The suffix '-stenosis' means abnormal narrowing. Examples: aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the gastric outlet), carotid stenosis (narrowing of the carotid artery), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

  5. What does SOAP stand for in the context of medical documentation?

    Answer: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan

    SOAP is the standard format for medical progress notes: Subjective (patient-reported symptoms/chief complaint), Objective (measurable findings: vital signs, exam, labs), Assessment (diagnosis/clinical impression), Plan (treatment plan, orders, follow-up).

  6. The term 'bilateral' in a clinical note referring to 'bilateral lower extremity edema' means:

    Answer: Swelling of both legs

    Bilateral means 'both sides' (bi- = two, lateral = side). Bilateral lower extremity edema describes swelling in both legs, which may indicate heart failure, venous insufficiency, hypoalbuminemia, or lymphedema.