Chapter 4 Medical Terminology 3 4 Medical Terminology

Chapter 4 Medical Terminology 3

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

5 Building Blocks Word root Gives word its main meaning All medical terms have at least one root Refers to structure and function of body Combining Word form root plus vowel Links word root to next word part Usually “o, ” but can be “a, ” “e, ” “i, ” or “u”

6 Question What A. B. C. 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 “o” vowel

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 A. B. C. of the following suffixes means pain? -cide -ical -algia

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

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? A. B. C. 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

Medical Terminology Word Puzzles You need: Piece of paper & Pencil Medical Dictionary Your book We’re going to practice putting together medical terms and maybe earn some extra credit!

How you play Open your book and locate the terminology building blocks (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) Fit terms together like a puzzle to make words you know and new ones! Check your term in the medical dictionary to be sure it actually exists On your paper write the word, identify the building blocks used to make the word, and write the definition. Example 1) hypothyroidism-condition created by less than normal levels of thyroid hormones Do this for 20 terms. More than 20 is extra credit! Draw a small picture of the terms for extra credit!

18 Do ◦ you know the meaning of the following words? Rhinoplasty Rhin = nose -plasty = surgical repair ◦ Cardiac Cardi = heart -ac = pertaining to ◦ Anoxia A = without Ox = oxygen -ia = pertaining to

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

20 What does this mean? Polyarthritis Suffix -itis = inflammation Word root arthr = joint Prefix poly = many or much Meaning Inflammation of many joints

21 urethra vs. ureter

22 ilium vs. ileum

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

27 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

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

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

30 Answer True Symbol for male ♂ Symbol ♀ for female

31 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

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

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