Review Questions

Review Questions

1. Why is it important to know medical terminology?

Medical terminology is used during conversations with other health professionals, in medical charting and documentation, and in professional journals and texts. It adds necessary preciseness to professional communication.

2. What do the following terms mean: “roots,” “combining forms,” “suffixes,” and “prefixes”?

Root: the part of the medical term giving the main meaning. It usually, but not always, refers to the structure and function of the body. All medical terms have at least one root.

Combining form: usually consists of a root plus a vowel, with “o” being the usual letter, separated from the root with a slash mark. The letter “o” is called the combining vowel and links the root with the suffix if the suffix begins with a consonant and always links two roots, regardless of a root’s lead letter.

Suffixes: word elements attached to the ends of roots and combining forms to add to or change their meaning. All medical terms have a suffix.

Prefixes: word elements attached to the beginning of roots or combining forms to add to or change their meaning. Many, but not all, medical terms have a prefix.

3. What are the steps that should be followed to break medical terms into their component parts in order to interpret them correctly?

When confronted with a new term, the student should start at the far right of the word and isolate the suffix.

Working from right to left, root or roots can be identified and prefixes determined. Then, each now-identified word element can be defined and combined to give the meaning of the word as a whole.

4. Provide five examples of medical terms that include a prefix and suffix. Give their meanings.

Many words are possible. Refer to the textbook or a medical dictionary to verify your examples.

5. What are the guidelines for medical terms when the pronunciation differs from the spelling?

Latin and Greek are base languages from which many commonly used medical terms are derived. The words often look and sound strange because neither language is spoken today. Their pronunciations and meanings can be mastered, however. The key is to study and practice. Refer to Tables 4-5 and 4-6 in the textbook.

6. Provide five examples of abbreviations and five of symbols. Give their meanings.

Numerous abbreviations and symbols are listed in Tables 4-7 and 4-8.

7. What are the features of a medical dictionary? How do you determine which one will be the best for your specialty area?

Features to review when selecting a medical dictionary include the following:

* Clear, easy-to-understand definitions
* Explanations of medical procedures, conditions, disorders, and diseases
* Pronunciation hints, abbreviations, and symbols
* Various reference tables, useful charts, diagrams, and tables
* Expanded explanations of topics of interest to the purchaser
* Application of information to patient care (The extent of the vocabulary coverage specific to a student’s occupational area is key to choosing an appropriate dictionary.)

8. What are eight study suggestions for mastering medical terminology?

To master medical terminology:

* Study a few words each day.
* Practice using newly learned words.
* Practice both written and spoken word usage.
* Use a medical dictionary.
* Start lists of new medical terms.
* Watch medically oriented television programs.
* Prepare/use flashcards with medical terms.
* Read medical terms aloud to yourself.