WORD PARTS
PREFIXES & SUFFIXES
DECODE THE TERM
MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS
COMMUNICATION
100
  • 100: What is the basic part of a medical term that gives the main meaning?
  • 100: Word root (or word root / basic meaning).
100
  • 100: What part of a medical term goes at the beginning and can change the meaning by describing, modifying, or limiting it?
  • 100: Prefix.
100
  • 100: Decode: neur = nerve. What does the word root neur mean?
  • 100: neur = nerve.
100
  • 100: Many medical abbreviations come from which two classical languages mentioned in the slides?
  • 100: Latin and Greek.
100
  • 100: What is the process called when we assign and convey meaning to create a shared understanding?
  • 100: Communication.
200
  • 200: How many main word parts make up a medical term?
  • 200: Four (4) main word parts are referenced (word root, combining form, prefix, suffix).
200
  • 200: What is the word ending that often changes a word into a noun, adjective, or verb?
  • 200: Suffix.
200
  • 200: Decode: cost = rib. What body part does cost refer to?
  • 200: cost = rib.
200
  • 200: In the practice examples, what does BID mean?
  • 200: BID = twice a day.
200
  • 200: Name two forms of communication listed in the slides.
  • 200: Examples: Oral (verbal) and written (electronic) — also nonverbal is listed.
300
  • 300: What do you call a medical term that has more than one word root?
  • 300: A compound word.
300
  • 300: What prefix means "around"?
  • 300: peri- means "around".
300
  • 300: Decode this example from the slides: neuropathy = neur + o + pathy. What does neuropathy mean?
  • 300: neuropathy = nerve (neur) + o (combining vowel) + pathy (disease) → disease of the nerves.
300
  • 300: What does BP stand for in medical terms?
  • 300: BP = blood pressure.
300
  • 300: What is "feedback" in the communication process?
  • 300: Feedback is the verbal or nonverbal response to the sender that shows whether the message was understood.
400
  • 400: Give the definition of a combining form.
  • 400: A combining form is a word root plus a vowel used to help pronounce certain medical terms (most often "o").
400
  • 400: What suffix means "surgical removal"? (Give the suffix used in medical terms.)
  • 400: -ectomy means "excision or surgical removal".
400
  • 400: Break down and explain derm/at/o + -itis (dermatitis). What does dermatitis mean?
  • 400: derm/at/o (skin) + -itis (inflammation) → inflammation of the skin.
400
  • 400: What does BM mean in the practice example provided?
  • 400: BM = bowel movement.
400
  • 400: Give two tips for good listening skills when communicating with a patient (from the slides).
  • 400: Face the patient, lean forward, make eye contact; watch for differences between verbal and nonverbal messages.
500
  • 500: Explain when you would use a combining vowel between two word roots.
  • 500: Use a combining vowel when joining two word roots or when the suffix begins with a consonant; do not use it when the suffix begins with a vowel.
500
  • 500: If a suffix begins with a vowel, do you use the combining form (with the vowel) before the suffix? Explain.
  • 500: No — if the suffix begins with a vowel you do not use the combining form; you attach the suffix directly to the word root.
500
  • 500: Break down hepat /o + -megaly (hepatomegaly). What does hepatomegaly mean?
  • 500: hepat/o (liver) + -megaly (enlargement) → enlarged liver.
500
  • 500: Name two organizations listed that work to promote patient safety related to abbreviations and medication errors.
  • 500: The Joint Commission (TJC) and The Institute for Safe Medication Practice (ISMP).
500
  • 500: What is "aphasia" and why should healthcare workers be aware of it?
  • 500: Aphasia is an impairment of the ability to communicate through speech, writing, or signs; healthcare workers must adapt communication so patients still understand and are understood.