Nursing & Medical Terminology

APPENDIX Medical Terminology A National EMS Education Standard A commonly used suffix is -itis, which means “inflammation.” Competencies When this suffix is paired with the prefix arthro-, meaning Medical Terminology joint, the resulting word is arthritis, an inflammation of Uses foundational anatomical and medical terms and abbreviations in written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care the joints. Sometimes it is necessary to change the last let- professionals. ter or letters of the root word or prefix when a suffix is added to make pronunciation easier. lists common suffixes. 6 Medical Terminology 6 Root Words It is critical that you have a strong working knowledge of medical The main part or stem of a word is called a root word. A root terminology. The language of medicine is primarily derived from Greek and Latin. Medical terminology is used in international word conveys the essential meaning of the word and frequently language, and it is also necessary for communicating with other medical personnel. The wider your vocabulary base, the more indicates a body part. With a combining form, the root word competent you seem to the rest of the medical community and the better the patient care you will be able to provide. Under- and a combining vowel such as i, e, o, or a may be combined standing terminology involves breaking words down into their separate components of prefix, suffix, and root word and having with another root word, a prefix, or a suffix to describe a a good working knowledge of those parts. particular structure or condition. A frequently used term in EMS is CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When we break it down, cardio is a root word meaning “heart,” and pulmonary is a root word meaning “lungs.” By performing CPR we introduce air into the lungs and circulate blood by compressing the heart to resusci- tate the patient. Some root words may also be used as prefixes or 6 Prefixes suffixes; those already appear in the earlier tables. lists common root words. A prefix appears at the beginning of a word and generally describes location and intensity. Prefixes are frequently found in 6 Abbreviations general language (ie, autopilot, submarine, tricycle), as well as in medical and scientific terminology. When a medical word (ven- Abbreviations take the place of words to shorten notes or doc- tilation) contains a prefix (hyper), the meaning of the word is umentation. When you are using abbreviations in patient care altered (hyperventilation). Not all medical terms have prefixes. reports, remember to use only standard, accepted abbreviations By learning to recognize a few of the more commonly used to avoid confusion and errors. lists commonly used medical prefixes, you can figure out the meanings of terms that abbreviations. This list is intended to help you decipher docu- may not be immediately familiar to you. lists common ments written by other health care professionals. Before using prefixes. any abbreviations in your own reports, you should be familiar with accepted use of abbreviations in your local jurisdiction or 6 Suffixes service area. Suffixes are placed at the end of words to change the original meaning. In medical terminology, a suffix usually indi- cates a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech. 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1404 12/20/10 6:26 PM

Appendix A Medical Terminology 1405 Table A-1 Common Prefixes Prefix Meaning Prefix Meaning Prefix Meaning a- without, lack of cyst(o)- inter- between pertaining to the bladder or ab- away from cyt(o)- any fluid-containing sac intra- within abdomi(n)- equal acr(o)- pertaining to a cell side ad- pertaining to anything white or abdomen de- down from iso- to leukocytes (white blood cells) aden(o)- pertaining to the skin latero- pertaining to a stone an- pertaining to an extremity dermat(o)- twice, double leuk(o)- large ana- bad or abnormal angio- to, toward di- middle ante- large anti- pertaining to a gland dia- through, completely lith(o)- black arteri(o)- without, lack of dys- difficult, painful, abnormal macro- pertaining to a membrane, up, back, again ect(o)- out from mal- particularly the meninges arthro- vessel electro- pertaining to electricity medi- small before, forward end(o)- within mega- auto- against, opposed to enter(o)- pertaining to the intestines melan- one bi- artery epi- upon, on mening(o)- pertaining to the spinal cord, the bone marrow, or myelin bi(o)- pertaining to a joint erythr(o)- pertaining to anything red micro- pertaining to muscle blast(o)- or to erythrocytes (red pertaining to the nose blephar(o)- self eu- blood cells) mono- new brady- two ex(o)- myel(o)- pertaining to the kidney easy, good, normal calc- pertaining to a nerve or the outside nervous system cardi(o)- night cephal(o)- pertaining to life extra- outside, in addition my(o)- little, deficient cerebr(o)- germ or cell gastr(o)- pertaining to the stomach nas(o)- pertaining to the ovary pertaining to an eyelid glyc(o)- sugar ne(o)- cervic(o)- slow gynec(o)- pertaining to females or the nephr(o)- female reproductive organs chole- stone; also heel hemat(o)- pertaining to blood neur(o)- chondr(o)- circum- pertaining to the heart hemi- half noct- contra- pertaining to blood olig(o)- cost(o)- pertaining to the head hem(o)- pertaining to the liver oophor(o)- cyan(o)- pertaining to the cerebrum, hepat(o)- a part of the brain pertaining to the neck or heter- other, different ophthalm(o)- pertaining to the eye the uterine cervix pertaining to bile hom- same or like orchid(o)- pertaining to the testicles water orchi(o)- pertaining to the testicles pertaining to cartilage hydr(o)- over, excessive oro- pertaining to the mouth under, deficient ortho- straight or normal around, about hyper- pertaining to the uterus oste(o)- pertaining to bone below ot(o)- pertaining to the ear against, opposite hypo- continues pertaining to a rib hyster(o)- blue infra- 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1405 12/20/10 6:26 PM

1406 Appendix A Medical Terminology Table A-1 Common Prefixes, continued Prefix Meaning Prefix Meaning Prefix Meaning para- false semi- half or partial by the side of pseud(o)- under, moderately path(o)- pertaining to disease psych(o)- pertaining to the mind sub- above, excessive, or more than per- through pulm(o)- pertaining to the lung super- normal above peri- around pur- pertaining to pus supra- fast phag(o)- pyel(o)- pertaining to the kidney tachy- pertaining to eating, or pelvis pertaining to temperature pharyng(o)- ingesting, or engulfing py(o)- pertaining to pus therm- pertaining to the chest phleb(o)- pertaining to the throat, quadr(i)- four thorac(o)- across pneum(o)- or pharynx quar- four trans- three poly- pertaining to a vein quat- four tri- one post- retr(o)- backward or behind uni- vessel pre- pertaining to respiration, rhin(o)- pertaining to the nose vas(o)- pro- the lungs, or air salping(o)- pertaining to a tube proct(o)- scler(o)- hard; also means many pertaining to the sclera after, behind before before, in front of pertaining to the rectum Table A-2 Common Suffixes Suffix Meaning Suffix Meaning Suffix Meaning -algia pertaining to pain -emia -ology science of pertaining to the presence -asthen(o) weakness -genic of a substance in the blood -oma tumor -blast immature cell -gram causing pertaining to a disease process (see also -sis) record -osis surgical creation of an opening, or hole -cele pertaining to a tumor -graph a record or the instrument -ostomy surgical incision -centesis or swelling used to create the record -cyte pertaining to a -itis inflammation -otomy procedure in which an organ or body cavity is punctured, often to drain excess fluid or obtain a sample for analysis cell -lysis decline, disintegration, or -pathy disease or a system for treating destruction disease -ectomy surgical removal of -megaly enlargement of -phagia pertaining to eating or swallowing continues 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1406 12/20/10 6:26 PM

Appendix A Medical Terminology 1407 Table A-2 Common Suffixes, continued Suffix Meaning Suffix Meaning Suffix Meaning -phasia -sis a process, action, or condition pertaining to speech -rrhage abnormal or excessive flow or discharge -taxis order, arrangement of -phobia pertaining to an -rrhagia irrational fear abnormal or excessive -trophic pertaining to nutrition -plasty -rrhaphy flow or discharge -uria pertaining to a substance in -plegia plastic surgery -rrhea the urine or the condition so suture of; repair of indicated paralysis flow or discharge -pnea pertaining to -scope instrument for -ptosis breathing -scopy examination drooping examination with an instrument Table A-3 Common Root Words Root Word Meaning Root Word Meaning Root Word Meaning acou- hear carotid carry, produce, congestion adip- fat carpus great arteries of the neck gest- know alb- something written or recorded white cent- wrist gno- alges- write, record andr- pain cente- a fraction in the metric -gram the bone in the upper arm aorta system; one hundredth separate, distinct male cili- or 100 graph- aqua- humerus iodine asphyxia large artery exiting from cleid(o)- to puncture (a body idi- milk the left ventricle of the cavity) asthen- heart tongue audi- eyelid month bronch- eye bucc- clavicle egg bursa to examine by touch callus water cubitus elbow iod(o)- child or foot circle or cycle lact- carcin- lack of oxygen or excess cycl- to examine by striking of carbon dioxide in continues the body that results in unconsciousness weak digit finger or toe lingu- swelling men- to hear ede- pertaining to sensation ocul- or perception windpipe -esthesi(o)- fever ov- bend palpate cheek febr- opening ped- pouch or sac flex hard, thick skin; also a foramen meshwork of connective tissue that forms during the healing process after a fracture cancer fract- break percuss 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1407 12/20/10 6:26 PM

1408 Appendix A Medical Terminology Table A-3 Common Root Words, continued Root Word Meaning Root Word Meaning Root Word Meaning tom- cut phot- light sepsis the presence of microorganisms or their toxins in the blood; also toxic poisonous pleur- rib, side sept- the toxic condition caused by such trich- hair pod- foot serum presence sinus ur- urine pto- fall som(a)- wall, divider; also seven varic- varicose vein ptyal- saliva spir- vertigo a disordered sensation pyr- fire the clear portion of body fluids, in which one’s own body including blood or the surroundings are perceived as moving cavity, channel, or hollow space internal organs body sticky foreign (material) coil dry radius the forearm bone on the stasis slowing or stopping of the normal viscer- thumb side; also a line flow of a fluid, such as blood ren- from the center of a circle stature retina or sphere to the edge stern(o)- height viscous sangui(n)- stoma sternum (breastbone) xen- kidney sebum any small opening on the surface of xer- sect- inner nerve-containing the body, such as a pore; also, the layer of the eye opening created in the abdominal wall for the passage of urine or blood feces a fatty secretion of the tact- touch sebaceous glands tetra- four cut Table A-4 Common Abbreviations* *Sometimes abbreviations are written with periods (for example, abd. and a.c.), and sometimes different capitalization might be used and might convey a different meaning. Not all possible meanings for the abbreviations in this table are given here. Unless you are certain about the meaning, ask the person who used the abbreviation. Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning A&P AK above the knee anatomy and ACLS advanced cardiac life support a– physiology a– a– ad lib as much as desired AKA above the knee amputation before ADL activity of daily living A-line arterial line abd ABG of each (used AED automated external defibrillator AMA against medical advice ac in writing AF ambulatory prescriptions) AIDS atrial fibrillation amb acute myocardial infarction abdomen acquired immunodeficiency AMI continues syndrome arterial blood gas before meals 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1408 12/20/10 6:26 PM

Appendix A Medical Terminology 1409 Table A-4 Common Abbreviations, continued Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning AMS altered mental status CABG coronary artery bypass CVP central venous pressure graft ant anterior CAD coronary artery disease CXR chest x-ray AO × 4 alert and oriented to person, CBC complete blood count D&C dilation and curettage AP place, time, and self cc cubic centimeter D/C discontinue APC anteroposterior, front-to- CC or C/C back, action potential, angina chief complaint diff differential Aq pectoris, anterior pituitary, CCU ARDS arterial pressure CHF coronary care unit dig digoxin ASA Cl— diabetes mellitus ASAP atrial premature complex, cm congestive heart failure DM ASHD activated protein C, aspirin- cm3 dead on arrival AV, A-V phenacetin-caffeine CNS chloride DOA dyspnea on exertion BBB c/o centimeter DOE director of nursing water cubic centimeter DON bid dead on scene BKA adult respiratory distress central nervous system DOS diphtheria, pertussis, syndrome and tetanus toxoids BM complaining of DPT vaccine aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) dry sterile dressing BP BS as soon as possible diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and acellular BSA arteriosclerotic or pertussis vaccine bx atherosclerotic heart disease diphtheria, tetanus c– toxoids, and pertussis °C atrioventricular, arteriovenous vaccine Ca delirium tremens bundle branch block CA deep venous thrombosis twice daily CO cardiac output, carbon DSD below the knee amputation CO2 monoxide DtaP dextrose 5% in water carbon dioxide diagnosis bowel movement COLD chronic obstructive DTP electrocardiogram lung disease emergency department blood pressure COPD chronic obstructive DTs estimated date of CP pulmonary disease DVT confinement blood sugar, breath sounds, bowel sounds, bachelor of CPR chest pain, chemically electroencephalogram science (degree) CRNA pure, cerebral palsy body surface area CRT CSF cardiopulmonary D5W biopsy CSM resuscitation Dx ECG with certified registered ED nurse anesthetist EDC degrees Celsius (centigrade) calcium capillary refill time, EEG cathode-ray tube cancer, cardiac arrest, CVA chronologic age, coronary cerebrospinal fluid artery, cold agglutinin carotid sinus massage, cerebrospinal meningitis cerebrovascular accident continues 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1409 12/20/10 6:26 PM

1410 Appendix A Medical Terminology Table A-4 Common Abbreviations, continued Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning eg for example h hour JVD jugular venous distention EKG electrocardiogram (H) hypodermic K+ potassium ENT ears, nose, and throat H hypodermic KCl potassium chloride ER emergency room H&H hemoglobin and kg kilogram hematocrit ET endotracheal tube, H&P history and physical KUB kidneys, ureters, and bladder endotracheal ETA headache ETOH estimated time of arrival H/A hemoglobin KVO keep vein open ETT hematocrit ethyl alcohol Hb L liter endotracheal tube Hct LAC laceration, laparoscopic- assisted colectomy °F degrees Fahrenheit Hg mercury lb pound FIO2 fraction of inspired Hgb hemoglobin LE lower extremity, left eye, lupus oxygen erythematosus FBS fasting blood sugar HH hiatal hernia LLL left lower lobe of the lung Fe iron HIV human LLQ left lower quadrant of the immunodeficiency abdomen virus FHR fetal heart rate H2O water L/M liters per minute LMP last menstrual period FHT fetal heart tones H2O2 hydrogen peroxide LOC level of consciousness, loss of consciousness FHx family history HPI history of present LPM liters per minute LPN licensed practical nurse illness LR lactated Ringer’s LSD lysergic acid diethylamide fL femtoliter hr hour fl fluid hs at bedtime fld fluid HTN hypertension FSH follicle-stimulating Hx history hormone fx fracture Hz hertz LUL left upper lobe of the lung g gram I&O intake and output LUQ left upper quadrant of the abdomen GB gallbladder IC intracardiac, inspiratory capacity, LVN licensed vocational nurse GI irritable colon gm gastrointestinal ICP m meter gr gram ICU intracranial pressure MAE moves all extremities grain IDDM MAEW moves all extremities well GSW intensive care unit gtt gunshot wound IM MAP mean arterial pressure GTT drop(s) IO insulin-dependent mcg microgram glucose tolerance test IPPB diabetes mellitus MCL midclavicular line, modified GU chest lead genitourinary IUD intramuscular mEq milliequivalent gyn gynecology IV intraosseous mg milligram (mgm is a former symbol) intermittent positive pressure breathing continues intrauterine (contraceptive) device intravenous 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1410 12/20/10 6:26 PM

Appendix A Medical Terminology 1411 Table A-4 Common Abbreviations, continued Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning MI myocardial infarction NKDA no known drug allergies PE pulmonary embolism, physical examination MICU mobile intensive care unit; NPA nasopharyngeal airway min medical intensive care unit NPO PEA pulseless electrical activity mL nil per os (nothing by minute mouth) PEARL pupils equal and reactive normal saline ped(s) to light milliliter NS pediatric mm millimeter NSR normal sinus rhythm PEEP positive end-expiratory pressure mm Hg millimeters of mercury NTG nitroglycerin PERL pupils equal and reactive to light MRI magnetic resonance N/V nausea and vomiting PERRL pupils equal, round, and imaging N/V/D reactive to light MS NVD nausea, vomiting, and pH hydrogen ion morphine sulfate, multiple diarrhea PID concentration MSO4 sclerosis pelvic inflammatory MVA neck vein distention disease morphine sulfate paroxysmal nocturnal MVC dyspnea MVP motor vehicle accident O2 oxygen PND per os (by mouth) N postoperative, “post op” motor vehicle crash OB obstetrics po partial pressure of oxygen mitral valve prolapse OBS PO normal OD organic brain syndrome PO2 pro re nata (as needed) pounds per square inch Na sodium OP overdose, right eye, PRN paroxysmal NA, N/A not applicable OPA optical density, outside psi supraventricular NaCl sodium chloride OR diameter, doctor of PSVT tachycardia optometry patient NAD NaHCO3 outpatient physical therapy NC prior to admission, oropharyngeal airway plasma thromboplastin NG antecedent NICU operating room partial thromboplastin time NIDDM no apparent distress, no OS left eye pt premature ventricular NKA appreciable disease complex, polyvinyl OU both eyes PT chloride sodium bicarbonate oz ounce PTA peripheral vascular disease nasal cannula every nasogastric p– after PTT continues after meals PVC neonatal intensive care unit pc non–insulin-dependent PCO2 partial pressure of PVD diabetes mellitus PDR carbon dioxide q no known allergies Physicians' Desk Reference 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1411 12/20/10 6:26 PM

1412 Appendix A Medical Terminology Table A-4 Common Abbreviations, continued Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning qd every day stat immediately qh every hour STD sexually transmitted WBC white blood cell disease subcutaneous WNL within normal limits supraventricular qid four times a day Sub Q tachycardia w/o without symptoms wt weight qod every other day SVT symptoms RA rheumatoid arthritis, Sx yo year old RAD right atrium tablet x– except RBC tuberculosis Rh reactive airway disease, sym RHD right axis deviation to be admitted, to be announced red blood cell tab tablespoon 1° first, first degree, primary technician, 2° secondary, second degree Rhesus blood factor, TB technologist rhodium transient ischemic attack rheumatic heart disease TBA three times a day ↑ increase(d) to keep open RL Ringer’s lactate tbsp temperature, pulse, ↓ decrease(d) RLL respiration Ø no, not, none right lower lobe of the tech teaspoon RLQ lung treatment RN right lower quadrant of TIA ® right R/O the abdomen unit ROM urinalysis registered nurse tid upper extremity L left RUL ␮ micro rule out TKO upper respiratory ␣ alpha RUQ infection range of motion, rupture TPR United States Rx of membranes Pharmacopeia s– urinary tract infection SC right upper lobe of the tsp venereal disease ␤ beta lung volume SICU vital signs right upper quadrant of Tx with ∼ approximately SIDS the abdomen SL prescription U ϫ2 times two SOB / per SQ without UA ss not equal S/S subcutaneous, secretory UE component surgical intensive care URI Ͼ greater than unit sudden infant death USP Ͻ less than syndrome sublingual UTI ? questionable, possible ⌬ change shortness of breath VD Ϫ negative Θ female subcutaneous vol Η male half VS signs and symptoms w/ 79306_APPA_Printer.indd 1412 12/20/10 6:26 PM