The Language of Health Care Unit 2 The Language of Health Care

Chapter 4 Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology Language used by health care professionals Includes specialized terms, abbreviations, and symbols Precise terms prevent confusion and error Do not use when communicating with patients

Building Blocks Word root Combining form Gives word its main meaning All medical terms have at least one root Refers to structure and function of body Combining form Word root plus vowel (continued)

Building Blocks Combining vowel Links word root to next word part Usually “o,” but can be “a,” “e,” “i,” or “u”

Question What word part is “cardi”? Word root Combining form Combining vowel

Answer A. Word root Cardi Word root meaning heart Combining form Cardi/o Combining vowel “o”

Building Blocks Suffix Attaches to end of word roots and combining forms to add to or change meaning All medical terms have suffix

Question Which of the following suffixes means pain? -cide -ical -algia

Answer C. -algia Suffix -cide Suffix -ical Suffix -algia To kill or destroy Suffix -ical Pertaining to Suffix -algia Pain

Building Blocks Prefix Attaches to beginning of word roots and combining forms to add to or change meaning Not all, but many medical terms have prefix

Question In the word hypothyroidism, what word part is hypo? Word root Suffix Prefix

Answer C. prefix Prefix hypo = less than or under Word root thyroid = thyroid gland Suffix -ism = condition Hypothyroidism meaning Condition created by less than normal levels of thyroid hormones

Building Blocks

Deciphering Medical Terms Start from right and work left Identify meaning of suffix Identify meaning of word root Identify meaning of prefix If one exists

Example Cardiology Suffix -ology = study of Word root cardi = heart Prefix = (none in this word) Meaning Study of the heart

Example Polyarthritis Suffix -itis = inflammation Word root arthr = joint Prefix poly = many or much Meaning Inflammation of many joints

Question A patient is having intercostal pain. Decipher the medical term to determine where this pain would be located. Between the ribs In the abdomen In the head or neck

Answer A. Between the ribs Suffix -al = pertaining to Word root cost = rib Prefix inter = between Combine word parts to learn that patient is having pain between ribs

Spelling and Pronunciation Accuracy critical Some words sound the same But spelled differently One letter can completely change meaning Memorize pronunciation and plural form guides

Question What is the guideline for making a plural form if the term ends in -ex or -ix? Change the -ex or -ix to -es Change the -ex or -ix to -ices Add an -e to the end of the word

Answer B. Change the -ex or -ix to –ices If term ends in -ex or -ix, plural usually formed by changing -ex or -ix to -ices

Medical Abbreviations and Symbols Shorthand Many common Others vary Use only those listed on facility’s approved list If not on facility’s approved list, cannot be used

Question True or False: If the provider writes the order “up ad lib,” it means the patient is to always walk with the assistance of a health care professional.

Answer False Ad lib = freely or at will Up ad lib = patient can get up and move about freely and at own will

Question True or False: The symbol ♂ means male.

Answer True Symbol for male ♂ Symbol for female ♀

Question Why are certain abbreviations, symbols, and dose designations never to be used?

Answer Certain abbreviations, symbols, and dose designations have led to frequent errors due to misinterpretations

Aids to Learning Purchase medical dictionary Choose one most helpful to individual needs Use study habits to build on own learning style Visual, auditory, or kinesthetic

Question Which of the following would be a visual study technique to learning? Practice by writing the words down Read medical terms aloud Draw and color images of terms

Answer A. Practice by writing the words down Writing terms Visual Speaking words aloud Auditory Drawing and coloring images Kinesthetic