Communication, Terminology, and Abbreviation Acharaporn Sripusanapan, RN, PhD Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University June 8, 2007

Objectives After completion of this topic, learners should be able to explain the meaning of communication list the significance of terminology used in nursing communication give examples of prefix, suffix, and word root

Meaning & Process Communication is the process of interaction among human beings so that they can understand each other.

Method of Communication Methods of communication can be classified by language use –verbal –nonverbal communication skills are partially based on how much and how well an individual knows about language and words particularly in each profession

Aims of Communication Generally, people communicate with others for the reasons as follows: They want to develop understanding among each other. They want to create actions. They want to give and receive information.

Terminology Composition of terminology –Roots: an essential component of a word –Prefixes: the first part of the terminology components –Suffixes: always at the end of word

Examples of Root RootsMeaningsExamples abdomin (o)abdomenabdominopelvic (abdomen and pelvis) aden (o)glandadenocele (cystic tumor in a gland) angi (o)vesselangiography (x-ray of a vessel) bilibilebiliary (pertaining to bile or the gallbladder) bradyslowbradycardia (slow heart rhythm) carcin (o)cancercarcinoma (malignant growth)

Examples of Prefix PrefixesMeaningsExamples a (n)-absence, withoutanuria (lack of urine output) ante-before, forwardanterior (front of the body) anti-againstantibody (immune response to an organism) bi-twobigeminy (occurring in pairs) dys-difficult, painfuldysuria (painful urination) ec-out ofectopic (out of place) end (o)-inwardendoscope (a device used to examine a body cavity) eu-normal, healtheuthyroid (normal thyroid function)

Examples of Suffix SuffixesMeaningsExamples -algiapainneuralgia (nerve pain) -ectomysurgical removalsplenectomy (removal of the spleen) -itisinflammationcolitis (inflammation of the colon) -omatumorblastoma (cancer composed of embryonic cells) -phobabnormal fearagoraphobia (fear of open spaces) -plasiagrowthhypoplasia (incomplete development) -plastysurgical repairangioplasty (surgical repair of blood vessels) -plegiaparalysisparaplegia (paralysis of lower body) -pneabreathingapnea (lack of breathing) -rrheafluid dischargediarrhea (frequent soft or liquid bowel movements)

Types of Terminology Medical and health professions Equipment Pharmacology Numbers, positions, and directions Body systems including disease, symptom, surgery, and treatment

Abbreviation Abbreviation of physical examination Abbreviation of treatment and nursing care Abbreviation of drug Abbreviation of diagnostic and laboratory Abbreviation of wards and services Abbreviation of others