Chapter 5 Medical Terminology

Two or more words combined to create a new word, like "thermometer" which combines "thermo" (heat) and "meter" (measuring tool).

The central part of a word that carries its core meaning, often referring to a body part or function. For example, "cardio" in "cardiologist" refers to the heart.

A word part added to the beginning of a root word that modifies its meaning. Like "tachy" in "tachycardia" meaning fast.

A word part added to the end of a root word that modifies its meaning. Like "itis" in "cholecystitis" meaning inflammation.

An abbreviation formed from the first letters of words, often pronounced as a word, like "CPAP" for "continuous positive airway pressure."

A memory aid using initials or a phrase to associate and remember information, like "AEIOU TIPS" for assessing altered mental status.

A heart rate above 100 beats per minute, often indicating a faster-than-normal heart rhythm.

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute, often indicating a slower-than-normal heart rhythm.

A breathing rate above 20 breaths per minute, indicating fast breathing.

A breathing rate below 12 breaths per minute, indicating slow breathing.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.

HTN is the abbreviation for hypertension.

Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level is too low.

The normal blood sugar range is between 70 and 120 milligrams per deciliter.

Hyperglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level is too high.

Hypoxia is a condition where there is a lack of oxygen in the body's tissues.

Anoxia is a complete absence of oxygen in the body's tissues.

A pulse oximeter is a device used to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood.

A pulse oximeter reading of 94% or higher is generally considered to be a good oxygen saturation level.

A pulse oximeter reading below 94% may indicate low blood oxygen levels.

A medical term describing shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It is often a symptom of respiratory or cardiac problems.

Means "without breathing." This occurs when a patient is unable to breathe independently.

The study of the body's structure, including the location and arrangement of organs, tissues, and cells.

The study of how the body functions, including the processes of organ systems and cell activity.

The study of how diseases affect the body's structure and function.

A term to describe a patient lying flat on their back, face up.

A term to describe a patient lying on their stomach and chest, face down.

Means "closer to the midline or the center of the body."

Means "further away from the midline or center of the body."

Position where the patient is sitting at a 45-degree angle.

A combination of two or more words joined to form a new word, like "thermometer" which combines "thermo" (heat) and "meter" (measuring tool).

The central part of a word that carries its core meaning, often referring to a body part or function. For example, "cardio" in "cardiologist" refers to the heart.

A word part added to the beginning of a root word that modifies its meaning. Like "tachy" in "tachycardia" meaning fast.

A word part added to the end of a root word that modifies its meaning. Like "itis" in "cholecystitis" meaning inflammation.

An abbreviation formed from the first letters of words, often pronounced as a word, like "CPAP" for "continuous positive airway pressure."

A memory aid using initials or a phrase to associate and remember information, like "AEIOU TIPS" for assessing altered mental status.

A heart rate above 100 beats per minute, often indicating a faster-than-normal heart rhythm.

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute, often indicating a slower-than-normal heart rhythm.

A breathing rate above 20 breaths per minute, indicating fast breathing.

A breathing rate below 12 breaths per minute, indicating slow breathing.

A sudden change in the body's state, often unwelcome.

Refers to a patient lying on their back with their face up.

Refers to a patient lying on their stomach with their face down.