Medical Terminology and Abbreviations Flashcards

What does the prefix 'brady-' mean in medical terminology?

Answer: Slow

The prefix 'brady-' means slow. Examples: bradycardia (slow heart rate), bradypnea (slow breathing rate), bradykinesia (slow movement, seen in Parkinson's disease).

Which of the following correctly defines the suffix '-ectomy'?

Answer: Surgical removal of

The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal. Examples: appendectomy (removal of appendix), cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder), mastectomy (removal of breast), hysterectomy (removal of uterus).

The combining form 'cardi/o' refers to which body structure?

Answer: Heart

The combining form 'cardi/o' refers to the heart. Examples: cardiology (study of the heart), cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), pericardium (sac around the heart), electrocardiogram (electrical recording of the heart).

What does the abbreviation 'PRN' mean on a medication order?

Answer: Take as needed

PRN is from Latin 'pro re nata' meaning 'for the thing born' or as the situation demands — commonly translated as 'as needed.' PRN orders specify conditions under which the medication can be given (e.g., ibuprofen 400 mg PRN pain every 6 hours).

The term 'dysphagia' refers to difficulty with which function?

Answer: Swallowing

Dysphagia is derived from 'dys-' (difficult, painful) + 'phagia' (swallowing/eating). It describes difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or both, and can be caused by neurological conditions, esophageal disorders, or structural problems.

Which directional term describes a position closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body?

Answer: Proximal

Proximal means closer to the point of origin or attachment (e.g., the proximal end of the femur is closer to the hip). Distal means farther from the origin. In the limbs, proximal is toward the trunk; distal is toward the fingers or toes.