Chapter 9 Medical Terminology PDF

© fStop /Getty Images Chapter 9 Medical Terminology NATIONAL EMS EDUCATION STANDARD COMPETENCIES Medical Terminology Uses foundational anatomic and medical terms and abbreviations in written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care professionals. OBJECTIVES Upon completion of...

© fStop /Getty Images Chapter 9 Medical Terminology NATIONAL EMS EDUCATION STANDARD COMPETENCIES Medical Terminology Uses foundational anatomic and medical terms and abbreviations in written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care professionals. OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this chapter, the paramedic student will be able to: 1. Explain the use of medical terms to describe organs and processes. (pp 176–177) 2. Explain the role of a root word, prefix, suffix, and combining vowels in a medical term. (pp 177–181) 3. Interpret selected examples of medical root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining vowels. (pp 178–181) 4. Distinguish between singular and plural forms of medical terms. (p 181) 5. Use accepted medical abbreviations appropriately. (pp 181–187) 6. Differentiate between similar medical terms and abbreviations. (pp 182–188) 7. Pronounce medical terms correctly. (pp 188–189) KEY TERMS combining vowel A vowel often used between root words and suffixes or between two or more root words. eponym A term that is derived from a person’s name. homonym A word that has the same pronunciation as another word but a different meaning, and often a different spelling (in which case it can more specifically be referred to as a homophone). prefix A word part that appears at the beginning of a word. In the medical context, a prefix often describes location or intensity. root word The foundation of a term. In the medical context, a root word may be combined with other word parts to describe a particular structure or condition. suffix A word part that appears at the end of a word. In the medical context, a suffix often describes a patient’s condition or diagnosis. A necessary skill and expectation for working in the health care profession is the ability to speak and understand the language of medicine. This skill is required for conveying patient information to other members of the heath care team. In addition, medical terminology is accurate and universally understood. It provides a clear and concise way to document patient care activities. 175 176 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology The Language of Medicine The language of medicine offers intriguing challenges both to medical historians and to linguists. The oldest written sources of Western medicine are Hippocrates’ writings from the fourth and fifth centuries BC. Hippocrates’s work marked the beginning of the Greek era in regard to the language of medicine—an era that continued even after the Roman conquest. During the Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries), however, the Greek language was not widely understood, and many Greek words were translated into Latin. As a result of this history, most medical terms currently are derived from Greek, and many have Latin roots. Medical terms that describe a disease are usually of Greek origin, whereas medical terms used to describe anatomy are usually of Latin origin.1 TABLE 9-1 Examples of Medical Terms Body Structures and Systems Aden/o: Gland Cardi/o: Heart Cyt/o: Cell Hist/o: Tissue Neur/o: Nerve Viscer/o: Internal organs Anatomic Regions and Locations Anteroposterior: Pertaining to both the front and the back Bilateral: Pertaining to two sides Caudal: Pertaining to the tail Cephalic: Pertaining to the head Dorsal: Pertaining to the back Diseases and Other Health Problems Aphagia: Without swallowing (inability to swallow) Carcinoma: Cancerous tumor (malignant) Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing Neoplasm: New growth (of abnormal tissue or tumor) Sepsis: Systemic infection Medical and Surgical Procedures Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix Endoscopy: Visual examination of a hollow organ or body cavity Hemodialysis: Removal of impurities from the blood Laryngoscopy: Visual examination of the larynx Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney Medical Instruments © Jones & Bartlett Learning. NOTE Most major medical journals are written in English. In addition, English has become the language of choice at international medical conferences. Newer medical terms are being coined from ordinary English words. Examples include bypass, shunt, pacemaker, and screening. Non-English-speaking countries often translate these terms into their own language. These countries also accept and use English abbreviations, such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Word Parts: The Building Blocks of Medical Terminology Medical terms are used to describe the following (TABLE 9-1): • • Body structures and systems Anatomic regions and locations Capnometer: Used to measure carbon dioxide Ophthalmoscope: Used to evaluate the eye Otoscope: Used to evaluate the inner ear Oximeter: Used to measure oxygen Sphygmomanometer: Used to measure blood pressure Diagnostic Tests ABGs: A test performed on arterial blood to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases CT scan: Computerized imaging of body organs in sectional slices MRI: An imaging technique in which magnetic and radio waves are used to produce images of organs and tissues in all three planes of the body PPD skin test: A test performed on people who have been recently exposed to tuberculosis Ultrasonography: An imaging technique in which scans are obtained through the use of high-frequency sound waves Abbreviations: ABGs, arterial blood gases; CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PPD, purified protein derivative © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 9 Medical Terminology • • • • Diseases and other health problems Medical and surgical procedures Diagnostic tests Medical instruments Most medical terms can be broken down into word parts. Commonly used word parts include prefixes, suffixes, root words, and linking or combining vowels. Knowledge of the basic word parts can help paramedics understand medical terminology and use it correctly (FIGURES 9-1 and 9-2). • • • • Root word. Forms the foundation of the medical term Prefix. Occurs before the root word Suffix. Occurs after the root word Combining vowel. Links one or more root words to other parts of the medical term cardio logy A combining form suffix poly neuro pathy B prefix combining form suffix FIGURE 9-1 The relationship of prefixes, suffixes, and combining words. A. Cardiology means “study of the heart”; cardi/o is the combining form (cardi + o), and -logy is the suffix. B. Polyneuropathy means “disease of many nerves”; poly- is the prefix, neur/o is the combining form (neur + o), and -pathy is the suffix. Modified from: How to understand medical terminology. https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Medical-Terminology. Accessed October 31, 2017. hemato logy A blood + study of intra ven ous B within + vein + pertaining to FIGURE 9-2 Root words form the foundation of a medical term. A. Hematology is broken down as follows: -logy (study of) + hemat/o (blood) = study of the blood. B. Intravenous is broken down as follows: -ous (pertaining to) + intra- (within) + ven/o (vein) = pertaining to within a vein. Modified from: WikiHow. How to Understand Medical Terminology. Accessed at, https://www.wikihow.com/Understand -Medical-Terminology. 177 Root Words The root word is the foundation or building block of the medical term (Figure 9-2); it is the part of the word to which prefixes, suffixes, and combining vowels may (or may not) be attached. A medical term may include one or more root words that are usually derived from Latin or Greek nouns, verbs, or adjectives. For example, cardiopulmonary begins with the root word cardio, which means “heart”; the next root word is pulmonary, which means “lungs.” Therefore, cardiopulmonary refers to the cardiac and respiratory systems. Other common root words are listed in TABLE 9-2. NOTE Most medical terms have at least one root word, but do not have to have either a prefix or a suffix. For example, the term sternocleidomastoid can be divided into three root words: stern, cleid, and mastoid. The sternocleidomastoid is a muscle that has attachments at the sternum, the clavicle, and the mastoid. Some medical terms are not composed of word parts. These nondecodable terms must be memorized. Examples include cataracts, asthma, diagnosis, and suture. Prefixes A prefix is one or more syllables found at the beginning of a word, before the root word. In medical terminology, a prefix often describes location, a unit of measure, or intensity. For example, the word abnormal begins with the prefix ab, which means “away from.” This prefix is followed by the root normal, which means “within a balance.” Therefore, abnormal describes something that is not within balance. Other common prefixes are listed in TABLE 9-3. Suffixes A suffix appears at the end of a word. In medical terminology, a suffix often describes a patient’s condition or diagnosis. For example, bronchitis begins with the root word bronchi (a respiratory structure). The root word, bronchi, is followed by the suffix itis, which means “inflammation.” Therefore, bronchitis describes inflammation of the bronchi. Other common suffixes are listed in TABLE 9-4. Combining Vowels Combining vowels are also known as linking vowels. Combining vowels make medical terms easier to pronounce. The vowel most often used is o. An 178 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology TABLE 9-2 Common Root Words Root Word Meaning Root Word Meaning adeno- gland mal- bad arter- artery meningo- meninges arthro- joint myo- muscle asthenia- weakness nephro- kidney bio- life neuro- nerve bucc- cheek noct- night burs- pouch or sac oculo- eye carc- cancer orchi- testicle cardio- heart osteo- bone caut- to burn oto- ear cephalo- head ov- egg cerv- neck pariet- wall chole- bile phago- to eat chondro- cartilage pharyngo- throat cysto- bladder phlebo- vein cyto- cell photo- light dermo- skin pneumo- air edem- swelling procto- rectum entero- intestine pseud- false eryth- red psych- mind eti- cause pyo- pus febr- fever rhino- nose flex- to bend sclero- hardness gastro- stomach sept- wall glyco- sugar somat- body gyn- female stern- chest hemo- blood tact- to touch hepato- liver thoraco- chest hydra- water uro- urinary iod- distinct varic- dilated vein leuko- white vaso- vessel © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 9 Medical Terminology TABLE 9-3 Common Prefixes Prefix Meaning Example a-, an- without, lack of apnea (without breath) anemia (lack of blood) ad- to, toward adhesion (something stuck to or remaining close to) angio- vessel angiogram (the study of vessels) ante- before, forward antenatal (occurring or formed before birth) anti- against, opposed to antipyretic (against fever) arter- artery arteriogram (study of arteries) arthro- pertaining to a joint arthroscopy (inspection of a joint) bi- two bilateral (both sides) bio- life biology (the study of life) brady- slow bradycardia (slow heart rate) cardi- pertaining to the heart cardiography (recording the movements of the heart) cerebr- brain cerebral (pertaining to the brain) cerv- neck cervical (pertaining to the neck) chole- pertaining to bile cholelithiasis (stones in the gallbladder) contra- against, opposite contrastimulant (against stimulating) cost- pertaining to a rib costal margin (margin of the lower limit of the ribs) cyst- pertaining to the bladder or any fluid-containing sac cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder) cyt- cell cytology (the study of cells) di- twice, double diplopia (double vision) dys- with difficulty dyspnea (difficulty breathing) ecto- out from ectopic (out of place) hyper- above, excessive, beyond hypertension (high blood pressure) inter- between intercostal (between the ribs) micro- tiny, small microcirculation (movement of blood in the smallest blood vessels) post- after, following, behind postpartum (following childbirth) retro- behind, backward retroperitoneum (abdominal cavity behind the peritoneum) © Jones & Bartlett Learning. 179 180 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology TABLE 9-4 Common Suffixes Suffix Meaning Example -algia pertaining to pain neuralgia (pain along a nerve) -centesis puncturing thoracentesis (puncturing into a pleural space) -cyte cell leukocyte (white cell) -ectomy a cutting out tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) -emia blood anemia (a decrease in blood hemoglobin) -esthesia sensation anesthesia (without sensation) -genic causing carcinogenic (cancer causing) -ology science of psychology (the science or study of behavior) -osis condition psychosis (condition of the mind) -ostomy creation of an opening gastrostomy (artificial opening into the stomach) -paresis weakness hemiparesis (one-sided weakness) -pathy disease neuropathy (disease of the peripheral nerves) -phagia eating polyphagia (excessive eating) -phasia speech aphasia (loss of the power of speech) -plasty repair of, tying of angioplasty (repair of damaged vessels) -pnea breathing dyspnea (difficulty breathing) -rhythmia rhythm dysrhythmia (variation from a normal rhythm) -rrhagia bursting forth hemorrhage (flowing of blood) -rrhea flowing pyorrhea (discharge of pus) -scopy examination by inspection laparoscopy (examination of the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope) -uria pertaining to urine polyuria (excessive secretion of urine) © Jones & Bartlett Learning. NOTE Antonyms are pairs of root words, prefixes, or suffixes that have opposite meanings. Examples of medical antonyms include anterior (front) and posterior (back), bio (life) and necro (death), brady (slow) and tachy (fast), and superior (above) and inferior (below). NOTE An easy way to learn medical terminology is to use an organized approach to examine the word parts of a medical term. One way to analyze a medical term is to begin with the suffix. Then look at the prefix. The remaining part is the root word. Put the three parts of the term together into a definition of the word. Example: Pericardial The suffix is -al (pertaining to), the prefix is peri- (around), and the root word is cardio (heart). The definition, then, is “pertaining to around the heart.” Chapter 9 Medical Terminology example of the use of a combining vowel is shown in the earlier Note box for the term sternocleidomastoid: stern-o-cleid-o-mastoid. Other vowels, namely i and a, are also used. Combining vowels often are used between root words and suffixes, as well as between two or more root words. They are not used between prefixes and root words. TABLE 9-5 presents guidelines for the use of combining vowels. Plural Forms of Medical Terms As do words in any language, medical terms need both a singular form and a plural form. Because most medical terms are Greek or Latin in origin, some unusual rules must be followed to change a singular word into its plural form. These rules are presented in TABLE 9-6. Medical Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols Communication and documentation of medical information require thoroughness, precision, and 181 TABLE 9-5 Guidelines for Using Combining Vowels 1. When a word root and a suffix are connected, a combining vowel is used if the suffix does not begin with a vowel. arthr-o-pathy 2. When a word root and a suffix are connected, a combining vowel usually is not used if the suffix begins with a vowel. hepat-ic 3. When two word roots are connected, a combining vowel usually is used even if vowels are present at the junctions. oste-o-arthr-it-is 4. When a prefix and a word root are connected, a combining vowel is not used. sub-hepat-ic Reproduced from: LaFleur Brooks M, Exploring Medical Language. 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2009. TABLE 9-6 Guidelines for Pluralizing Medical Terms Guideline Singular Form Plural Form 1. If the term ends in a, the plural is formed by adding an e. bursa vertebra bursae vertebrae 2. If the term ends in ex or ix, the plural is formed by changing ex/ix to ices. appendix cervix appendices cervices 3. If the term ends in is, the plural is formed by changing the is to es. diagnosis metastasis neurosis diagnoses metastases neuroses 4. If the term ends in itis, the plural is formed by dropping the s and adding des. arthritis meningitis arthritides meningitides 5. If the term ends in nx, the plural is formed by changing the x to g and adding es. larynx phalanx larynges phalanges 6. If the term ends in on, the plural is formed by dropping the on and adding a. criterion ganglion criteria ganglia 7. If the term ends in um, the plural is formed by changing um to a. diverticulum ovum diverticula ova 8. If the term ends in us, the plural is formed by changing us to i. alveolus bronchus malleolus alveoli bronchi malleoli Reproduced from: Russell WJ. Medical Terminology by the Mnemonic Story System. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corp; 2006. 182 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology accuracy. Medical abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols are a form of medical shorthand, intended to promote efficient communication and documentation. They will achieve those aims only if they are used correctly and are universally understood by other members of the heath care team. Many EMS systems develop lists of agency-approved medical abbreviations; paramedics should not use abbreviations other than the approved versions. BOX 9-1 lists some of the more common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols used in EMS systems. BOX 9-1 Common Medical Abbreviations Used by EMS Systems °C degrees Centigrade BLS basic life support °F degrees Fahrenheit BM, bm bowel movement ABG arterial blood gas BMR basal metabolic rate ac before meals BNP brain natriuretic peptide ACS acute coronary syndrome BP blood pressure ad lib freely as desired BPAP bilevel positive airway pressure ADHD attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy ADL activity of daily living BPM beats per minute AED automated external defibrillator BSA body surface area AF atrial fibrillation BUN blood urea nitrogen AICD automatic implanted cardioverter-defibrillator BVM bag-valve mask c/o complains of AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Ca calcium, cancer, carcinoma CAD coronary artery disease ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cap capsule AM morning CAT computed axial tomography AMA against medical advice cath AMI acute myocardial infarction catheter, catheterize, catheterization amp ampule CBC complete blood count ARC AIDS-related complex CBR complete bed rest ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome CC chief complaint CCU coronary care unit, critical care unit AS aortic stenosis CDC ASD atrial septal defect Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BE barium enema CHF congestive heart failure bid two times a day CHO carbohydrate Chapter 9 Medical Terminology 183 BOX 9-1 Common Medical Abbreviations Used by EMS Systems (continued) Cl chlorine ECF extracellular fluid centimeter ECG electrocardiogram cubic centimeter ECT electroconvulsive therapy CNS central nervous system ED emergency department CO carbon monoxide EDC estimated date of confinement CO2 carbon dioxide EDD estimated date of delivery COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease EEG electroencephalogram CPAP continuous positive airway pressure EKG electrocardiogram CPK creatine phosphokinase elix elixir CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation EMG electromyogram CRP C-reactive protein EPAP expiratory positive airway pressure CSF cerebrospinal fluid ER emergency room CT computed tomography ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate CVA cerebrovascular accident, costovertebral angle ESRD end-stage renal disease ETCO2 end-tidal carbon dioxide CVP central venous pressure ETOH ethyl alcohol D&C dilation and curettage FAST D5W 5% dextrose in water focused assessment with sonography for trauma dc discontinue Fe iron DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation FEV forced expiratory volume FHR fetal heart rate diff differential blood count FRC functional residual capacity dil dilute FUO fever of unknown origin DJD degenerative joint disease Fx, fx fracture, fractional urine test dL deciliter g, gm, Gm gram DM diabetes mellitus GCS Glasgow Coma Scale DNR/ DNAR do not resuscitate/do not attempt resuscitation GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease GI gastrointestinal DOE dyspnea on exertion pregnancy 1, 2, 3, etc. DVT deep vein thrombosis grava I, II, III, etc. dx diagnosis gt, gtt drop, drops EBV Epstein-Barr virus GTT glucose tolerance test cm cm 3 (continued) 184 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology BOX 9-1 Common Medical Abbreviations Used by EMS Systems (continued) GU genitourinary IV intravenous GYN, Gyn gynecologic IVP H2O water intravenous push; intravenous pyelogram H+ hydrogen ion IVPB intravenous piggyback h/o history of J joules H&P history and physical examination K potassium HAV hepatitis A virus kg kilogram Hb hemoglobin KUB kidney, ureters, and bladder (radiograph) HBV hepatitis B virus KVO keep vein open Hct hematocrit L liter HCV hepatitis C virus L&A light and accommodation Hg mercury LBBB left bundle branch block Hgb hemoglobin LLE left lower extremity HIV human immunodeficiency (AIDS) virus LLL left lower lobe HSV herpes simplex virus LLQ left lower quadrant HTN hypertension LMP last menstrual period I&O intake and output LNMP last normal menstrual period IBD irritable bowel disease LP lumbar puncture IC inspiratory capacity LR lactated Ringer solution ICP intracranial pressure LUE left upper extremity ICU intensive care unit LUL left upper lobe Ig immunoglobulin LUQ left upper quadrant IgA, IgD, etc. immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin D, etc. LV left ventricle LVAD left ventricular assist device IM intramuscular LVH left ventricular hypertrophy IN intranasal m meter INR international normalized ratio MAP mean arterial pressure IO intraosseous max maximum IPAP inspiratory positive airway pressure mcg microgram IPPB intermittent positive pressure breathing MCH mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCHC ITD impedance threshold device mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration Chapter 9 Medical Terminology 185 BOX 9-1 Common Medical Abbreviations Used by EMS Systems (continued) mg milligram OTC over-the-counter Mg magnesium oz ounce MG myasthenia gravis PaCO2 MI myocardial infarction partial pressure of carbon dioxide (arterial blood) MICU medical intensive care unit PaO2 partial pressure of oxygen (arterial blood) min minute(s), minimum milliliter para I, . . . II, etc. unipara, bipara, etc. mL mm millimeter PAT paroxysmal atrial tachycardia mm3 cubic millimeter pc after meals mm Hg millimeters of mercury PCI percutaneous coronary intervention MOI mechanism of injury PCO2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide MRI magnetic resonance imaging PCP MS multiple sclerosis pulmonary capillary pressure, phencyclidine mV millivolt PCV packed cell volume N nitrogen PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure Na sodium PE NG nasogastric pulmonary embolism, physical examination NICU neonatal intensive care unit PEEP positive end-expiratory pressure NIPPV (NPPV) noninvasive positive pressure ventilation PEF peak expiratory flow per through, by way of NOI nature of illness PERRLA NPA nasopharyngeal airway pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation NPO nothing by mouth PET positron emission tomography NS normal saline or not significant PG prostaglandin O2 oxygen pH hydrogen ion concentration (acidity and alkalinity) OCD obsessive compulsive disorder PID pelvic inflammatory disease OD overdose PIH pregnancy-induced hypertension OG orogastric PKU phenylketonuria OPA oropharyngeal airway PM postmortem ORIF open reduction and internal fixation PM evening OT occupational therapy PMS premenstrual syndrome (continued) 186 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology BOX 9-1 Common Medical Abbreviations Used by EMS Systems (continued) PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, postnasal drip RML right middle lobe PO, po orally ROM range of motion PO2 partial pressure of oxygen ROS review of systems PPD purified protein derivative ROSC return of spontaneous circulation ppm parts per million RSI rapid-sequence intubation prn when required, as often as necessary RSV respiratory syncytial virus RUE right upper extremity PRVC pressure-regulated volume control RUL right upper lobe PSVT paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia RUQ right upper quadrant Rx take; treatment PT physical therapy; prothrombin time SB sternal border PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder sec second(s) PTT partial thromboplastin time sib sibling PVC premature ventricular complex SICU surgical intensive care unit q every SIDS sudden infant death syndrome q2h every 2 hours Sig write on label q3h every 3 hours SIMV q4h every 4 hours synchronized intermittent ventilation qh every hour SL sublingual qid four times a day SLE systemic lupus erythematosus qn every night sol solution, dissolved qns quantity not sufficient sos if necessary R/O rule out sp gr, SG, sg specific gravity RA rheumatoid arthritis SpCO RBBB right bundle branch block saturated pressure of carbon monoxide RDS respiratory distress syndrome SpMet saturated pressure of methemoglobin Rh+ positive Rh factor Spo2 saturated pressure of oxygen Rh− negative Rh factor SSS RHD rheumatic heart disease sick sinus syndrome, short-stay surgery RLE right lower extremity stat immediately RLL right lower lobe STD sexually transmitted disease RLQ right lower quadrant STEMI ST-elevation myocardial infarction Chapter 9 Medical Terminology 187 BOX 9-1 Common Medical Abbreviations Used by EMS Systems (continued) STI sexually transmitted infection TPR temperature, pulse, and respirations Sub-Q, subQ subcutaneous UA unstable angina; urinalysis susp suspension URI upper respiratory infection T3 triiodothyronine UTI urinary tract infection T4 tetraiodothyronine VC vital capacity T&A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy VD venereal disease TAH total abdominal hysterectomy VDH valvular disease of the heart TB, TBC tuberculosis VDRL Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (test for syphilis) TCP transcutaneous pacing VF ventricular fibrillation Tdap tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis VS vital signs TdP torsades de pointes VSD ventricular septal defect TIA transient ischemic attack VT tidal volume tid three times a day VT ventricular tachycardia TKO to keep open WBC white blood cell, white blood count TPN total parenteral nutrition WNL within normal limits WPW Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome NOTE Many medical abbreviations and acronyms may have common, multiple meanings. For example, the abbreviation PE may be used for physical examination, pulmonary edema, or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, it is important for every EMS agency or medical direction system to have an approved list of medical abbreviations and acronyms. This list helps ensure precision in documentation. It also facilitates patient assessments and patient histories. In addition, approved lists may provide for medical legal protection if cases are reviewed for litigation. Eponyms and Homonyms An eponym is a term that is derived from a person’s name. For example, a disease, surgical procedure, or test is often named after someone involved in its creation or discovery. Common medical eponyms include the following terms: • • • • • • • Alzheimer disease, named after the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer Apgar score, named after the American anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar Down syndrome, named after the English physician John Hayden Down Heimlich maneuver, named after the German physician Henry J. Heimlich Lou Gehrig disease, named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player Macintosh laryngoscope, named after the New Zealand physician Sir Robert Reynolds Macintosh Parkinson disease, named after the English physician James Parkinson It is considered acceptable to drop the possessive apostrophe and letter s from most eponyms. The trend in possessive usage varies among countries, journals, and diseases. 188 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology A homonym is a word that has the same pronunciation as another word but a different meaning, and often a different spelling (in which case it can more specifically be referred to as a homophone). Although homonyms are common in everyday English (eg, feet/feat, meet/meat, peal/peel), they are rare in medical terminology. Examples include humerus and humerous, lyse and lice, plane and plain, pleural and plural, venous and Venus. created a “Do Not Use” list of abbreviations in 2004.2 This list, which is updated annually, is intended to eliminate the use of abbreviations, acronyms, symbols, and drug dose designations that could be confusing or dangerous and that might result in errors. Many EMS agencies and health care facilities use this list as part of their documentation protocol (TABLE 9-7). Pronunciation of Medical Terms Do Not Use List The Joint Commission (formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE Brunetti and colleagues found that nearly 5% of the errors reported to Medmarx, a national database for medication errors, were related to abbreviation use. Many of the abbreviations involved in the errors were on the official “Do Not Use” list of abbreviations established by The Joint Commission. Modified from: Brunetti L, Santell JP, Hicks RW. The impact of abbreviations on patient safety. Joint Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2007;33:576-583. Correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are necessary for good communication and are skills that health care professionals are expected to have. A good way to learn (and remember) the spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is to first consider the way the terms are built. This is done by analyzing the root words, prefixes, and suffixes described earlier in the chapter. Understanding root words and memorizing these terms and their correct spelling can help paramedics build a medical vocabulary. The pronunciation of medical terms often varies, because no “rigid rules” exist. In addition, medical terms often are pronounced somewhat differently even among medical professionals. For some medical terms, more than one pronunciation is considered TABLE 9-7 The Joint Commission’s “Do Not Use” Abbreviations Lista Do Not Use Potential Problem Use Instead > (greater than) Misinterpreted as the number 7 (seven) or the letter L Write greater than. U, u (unit) Mistaken for the number 0 (zero), the number 4 (four), or cc Write unit. IU (International Unit) Mistaken for IV (intravenous) or the number 10 (ten) Write international unit. Q.D., QD, q.d., qd (daily) Q.O.D., QOD, q.o.d., qod (every other day) Mistaken for every other Period after the Q mistaken for I and the O mistaken for I Write daily; write every other day. Trailing zero (X.0 mg)b Lack of leading zero (.X mg) Decimal point is missed Write X mg. Write 0.X mg. MS MSO4 and MgSO4 Can mean morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate Confused for one another Write morphine sulfate. Write magnesium sulfate. a Applies to all orders and all medication-related documentation that is handwritten (including free-text computer entry) or on preprinted forms. b Exception: A “trailing zero” may be used only where required to demonstrate the level of precision of the value being reported, such as for laboratory results, imaging studies that report size of lesions, or catheter/tube sizes. It may not be used in medication orders or other medication-related documentation. © The Joint Commission, 2018. Reprinted with permission. Chapter 9 Medical Terminology TABLE 9-8 Guide to Pronunciation of Medical Terms The following is a simple guide for practicing the pronunciation of medical terms. The pronunciations are only approximate; however, they are adequate to meet the needs of the beginning student. In respelling for pronunciation, words are minimally distorted to indicate phonetic sound. Examples: doctor (dok-tor) gastric (gas-trik) A special mark, called the macron (–), is used to indicate long vowel sounds. Examples: donate (dō-nāt) hepatoma (hep-a-tō-ma) ā as in ate, say ē as in eat, beet, see ī as in I, mine, sky ō as in oats, so ū as in unit, mute Vowels with no markings have the short sound. Examples: discuss (dis-kus) medical (med-i-kal) a as in at, lad e as in edge, bet i as in itch, wish o as in ox, top u as in sun, come The primary accent is indicated by capital letters, and the secondary accent (which is stressed but not as strongly as the primary accent) is indicated by italics. Examples: altogether (all-tū-GETH-er) pancreatitis (pan-krē-a-TĪ-tis) Modified from: LaFleur Brooks M, LaFleur Brooks D. Exploring Medical Language. 7th ed. St Louis: Elsevier; 2009. 189 acceptable (TABLE 9-8). A common example is angina: It can be pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable and a short i (AN-ji-na) or with the emphasis on the second syllable and a long i (an-JĪ-na). Some medical terms look alike and sound alike but have very different meanings. NOTE Paramedics who can spell a medical term accurately usually can also pronounce it correctly. The pronunciation of medical terms is best perfected by using the word frequently and by saying the word aloud. If the paramedic is unsure of any word, he or she should check the correct spelling and pronunciation in a medical dictionary. DID YOU KNOW? Confusing Medical Terms Some medical terms look alike and sound alike, but have very different meanings. Some common terms that are easily confused include the following: • Arterio means “artery.” Athero means “plaque or fatty substance.” Arthro means “joint.” • The ileum is a part of the small intestine. Ilium means “part of the hip bone.” • Mucous means “resembles mucus.” Mucus is the substance secreted from the membranes. • Myco means “fungus.” Myelo means both “bone marrow” and “spinal cord.” Myo means “muscle.” • Palpation is an examination technique. Palpitation means “a pounding racing heart.” • Pyelo refers to the renal pelvis. Pyo means “pus.” • Viral means “related to a virus.” Virile means “having masculine traits.” 190 Part 2 Anatomy and Physiology Summary • Medical terminology is the language of medicine. It is important to know the language to interpret patient information and communicate it to other health care personnel. • Medical terms are used to describe body structures, systems, and functions; anatomic regions and locations; diseases and other health problems; medical and surgical procedures; diagnostic tests; and medical instruments. • Medical terms are broken down into several parts. These parts include root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining vowels. • Root words describe a structure or condition. They may be combined with other root words, a prefix, and/or a suffix. • A prefix is a root syllable at the beginning of a root word that often describes location or intensity. • A suffix comes at the end of a root word and often describes a condition or diagnosis. References 1. Wulff H. The language of medicine. R Soc Med. 2004;97:187-188. Suggested Readings Chabner DE. Medical Terminology: A Short Course. 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2009. Fremgen BF, Frucht SG. Medical Terminology: A Living Language. 6th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson; 2016. • Combining vowels join syllables in medical terms to make them easier to pronounce. • Medical terms are interpreted by analyzing each word part and then combining them to determine the meaning. • Specific rules govern the conversion of medical terms from the singular form to the plural form. For example, vertebra becomes vertebrae; diagnosis becomes diagnoses; phalanx becomes phalanges; and alveolus becomes alveoli. • Medical abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols are a form of medical shorthand that can make communication among medical professionals more efficient. It is important for paramedics to use only the abbreviations approved within their EMS system. • Paramedics must be able to pronounce medical terms correctly so that their intended meaning is communicated clearly. 2. Facts about the official “do not use” list of abbreviations. The Joint Commission website. https://www.jointcommission.org /facts_about_do_not_use_list/. Accessed December 7, 2017. Stanfield PS, Hui YH, Cross N. Essential Medical Terminology. 4th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2014.