1. The Language of Health Care
Unit 2
The Language of Health Care

2. Chapter 4
Medical Terminology

3. 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

4. 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. Building Blocks

15. 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

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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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.

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

26. Question
True or False:
The symbol ♂ means male.

27. Answer
True
Symbol for male ♂
Symbol for female ♀

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

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

30. 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

31. 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

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