Medical Terminology
The definition of the prefix "tachy-"
What is fast/rapid?
The system that includes the brain and spinal chord
What is the central nervous system?
A 10-year-old patient comes to the clinic with a history of recurrent wheezing, especially at night. Today, they present with shortness of breath and a tight feeling in their chest after running. What is the most likely condition?
Asthma
A patient has cough, fever, and shortness of breath. The doctor orders imaging of the lungs. What test?
A chest x-ray
What is the average life expectancy in the U.S. as of 2024?
about 77 years old
The definition of "oste/o"
What is bone?
The blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart
What are arteries?
A 55-year-old patient presents with sudden, severe chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. They are sweaty and nauseated. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Myocardial infarction/heart attack
A patient has chest pain. The doctor records the heart’s electrical activity. What test is this?
Electrocardiogram/ECG/EKG
Approximately what percentage of practicing physicians in the U.S. are women?
about 38%
The definition of "hepat/o"
What is liver?
The organ responsible for filtering blood
What is the kidneys?
A 16-year-old patient comes to the ER with sharp pain in the abdomen, nausea, and mild fever. On exam, there is tenderness when firm pressure is placed on the lower right quadrant. What is the most likely condition?
Appendicitis
A patient has severe abdominal pain. A tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to view the stomach. What procedure?
Endoscopy
Approximately what percentage of U.S. adults are considered obese?
about 42%
The definition of the suffix "-rrhea"
What is flow/discharge?
The thing that connects muscle to bone
What are the tendons?
A 67-year-old patient suddenly cannot speak properly and has weakness on the right side of their body. Symptoms started one hour ago. What is the most likely condition?
Stroke
A 35-year-old patient reports fatigue and frequent infections. The doctor orders a test to check red and white blood cells.
Complete blood count/CBC
Approximately what percentage of registered nurses in the U.S. are men?
about 12%
The definition of the suffix "-penia"
What is deficiency/lack of?
Prevents food from entering the trachea
What is the epiglottis?
A 42-year-old patient complains of feeling unusually tired, cold intolerance, and weight gain despite a reduced appetite. Blood tests show low thyroid hormone levels. What is the most likely condition?
Hypothyroidism
A 16-year-old patient has episodes of staring, sudden jerking movements, and brief loss of awareness. The doctor wants to measure the brain’s electrical activity to identify abnormal patterns. What test should they order?
Electroencephalogram/EEG
How many Americans are uninsured as of 2024?
about 27 million