Healthcare Terminology Quiz

Medical Terminology and Concepts

Admissions desk: where patients are checked in and registered
Advance Directive: document that outlines a patient's wishes for medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate
Blood alcohol level: measure of the amount of alcohol in the blood
Breast-feeding clinic: a clinic that provides support and care for breastfeeding mothers
Blood glucose: measure of the level of glucose in the blood
Colostrum: the first milk produced by a mother after giving birth
Consent form: a document that patient signs to give permission for medical treatment
Chart: a patient's medical record
Discharge instructions: instructions given to a patient upon leaving the hospital
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: a document that appoints someone to make medical decisions for a patient if they are unable to do so

Healthcare Professionals

Advice nurse: a nurse who provides telephone advice to patients
Nurse practitioner: a registered nurse who has advanced training and can provide primary care
Triage nurse: a nurse who assesses the severity of a patient's condition and determines the order of treatment
Chiropractor: a healthcare professional who specializes in spinal manipulation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
Dietician: a healthcare professional who specializes in nutrition and dietetics
Ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT): a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the ear, nose, and throat
Eye specialist: a doctor who specializes in treating eye disorders
Family counselor: a mental health professional who provides counseling to families
Gastroenterologist: a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the digestive system
Gastrologist: a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the stomach and intestines
Immediate family: closest relatives, such as parents, siblings, and spouse
Lactation consultant: a healthcare professional who specializes in helping mothers with breastfeeding
Neurologist: a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the nervous system
Midwife: a healthcare professional who specializes in delivering babies and providing postnatal care
Nutritionist: a healthcare professional who specializes in providing nutrition advice and guidance
Ob-gyn: a doctor who specializes in providing medical care to women, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth
Obstetrician: a doctor who specializes in delivering babies and providing postnatal care
Gynecologist: a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the female reproductive system
Ophthalmologist: a doctor who specializes in treating eye disorders
PCP: primary care physician, a doctor who provides routine medical care
Pediatrician: a doctor who specializes in treating children
Podiatrist: a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the feet
Artery: a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart
Airway: the passage through which air enters and leaves the lungs
Bronchi: tubes that branch off from the trachea and lead to the lungs
Bilirubin: a pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells

Medical Procedures and Tests

Amniocentesis: a test that takes a sample of amniotic fluid to check for genetic disorders
Anesthesia: a medical treatment that prevents pain during surgery
Biopsy: a test that takes a sample of tissue to check for disease
Chemotherapy: a medical treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells
Colonoscopy: a test that examines the inside of the colon and rectum
Computerized Tomography (CT scan): a test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the body
Dilation and Curettage: a medical procedure that widens the cervix and uses a special instrument to remove tissue from the uterus
ECG/EKG - Electrocardiogram: a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
EEG - Electroencephalogram: a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain
Electromyogram (EMG): a test that measures the electrical activity of muscles
Endoscopy: a test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the body
Epidural: a medical procedure that injects pain medication into the epidural space to relieve pain during childbirth
Fast: a period of time without eating or drinking
Heel prick: a test that takes a sample of blood from a newborn's heel to check for genetic disorders
Implant: a medical device that is inserted into the body to treat a medical condition
Incision: a cut made in the skin to perform surgery
Intravenous (IV): a medical treatment that delivers fluids or medication directly into a vein
Liver function test: a test that measures the level of liver enzymes in the blood
Mammogram: a test that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the breasts
Mastectomy: a surgical procedure that removes the breast tissue
Salpingectomy: a surgical procedure that removes the fallopian tubes
Sonogram: a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the body
Screening: a test that is used to detect a medical condition
TB skin test: a test that checks for tuberculosis
Tracheostomy: a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to allow breathing
Urinalysis: a test that checks the level of waste products in the urine
Urine culture: a test that checks for bacteria in the urine
Vaginal delivery: a type of childbirth where the baby is born through the vagina
Physical/wellness exam: a medical exam that checks for overall health and wellness

Medical Conditions and Diseases

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): a medical condition that weakens the immune system
Asthma: a medical condition that causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
Blood-poisoning (sepsis): a medical condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled
Bronchitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the bronchi
Chicken Pox: a medical condition that causes a rash and fever
Circulatory disease: a medical condition that affects the heart and blood vessels
Cystitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the bladder
Chlamydia: a sexually transmitted disease that causes a bacterial infection
Communicable disease: a medical condition that can be transmitted from one person to another
Diverticulitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the diverticula in the colon
Encephalitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the brain
Flu, influenza: a medical condition that causes a contagious respiratory illness
Gangrene: a medical condition that causes tissue death due to a lack of blood flow
German measles (rubella): a medical condition that causes a rash and fever
Gestational diabetes: a medical condition that causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy
Gingivitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the gums
Glaucoma: a medical condition that causes pressure in the eye that can lead to vision loss
Heart attack: a medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked
Heart failure: a medical condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood
Heartburn: a medical condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest
Hemorrhoids: a medical condition that causes swollen veins in the rectum or anus
High blood pressure: a medical condition that causes increased pressure in the blood vessels
High blood sugar: a medical condition that causes increased levels of glucose in the blood
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a medical condition that causes the immune system to weaken
Human Papiloma Virus (HPV): a medical condition that causes a viral infection
Hypoglycemia: a medical condition that causes low blood sugar levels
Hyperventilation: a medical condition that causes rapid and deep breathing
Mumps: a medical condition that causes a contagious illness characterized by swelling of the salivary glands
Mastitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the breast tissue
Myocardial infarction: a medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): a medical condition that causes involuntary movements of the limbs during sleep
Pharyngitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the throat
Pinched nerve: a medical condition that causes compression or irritation of a nerve
PKU: a medical condition that causes a genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of certain amino acids
Pneumonia: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the lungs
Polio: a medical condition that causes a contagious illness characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis
Sexually Transmitted Infection, Disease (STI/STD): a medical condition that is transmitted through sexual contact
Strep throat: a medical condition that causes a bacterial infection of the throat
Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA): a medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked
Sty: a medical condition that causes a small abscess on the eyelid
Tetanus: a medical condition that causes a bacterial infection
Scabies: a medical condition that causes a parasitic infection of the skin
Rheumatism: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the joints and muscles
Tonsillitis: a medical condition that causes inflammation of the tonsils
Tuberculosis (TB): a