The combining vowel is typically added to a word root when the suffix begins with a consonant.
Correct Answer
True
A combining vowel, usually 'o', is used to connect a word root to a suffix that begins with a consonant, making the term easier to pronounce.
Question 2
In the term 'gastritis', 'gastr' is the suffix indicating inflammation.
Correct Answer
False
In 'gastritis', 'gastr' is the word root meaning stomach, and '-itis' is the suffix indicating inflammation.
Question 3
A prefix always appears at the end of a medical term and modifies the meaning of the word root.
Correct Answer
False
A prefix always appears at the beginning of a medical term, not the end, and modifies the meaning of the word root.
Question 4
The abbreviation NPO means 'nothing by mouth'.
Correct Answer
True
NPO is a common medical abbreviation derived from the Latin 'nil per os', meaning 'nothing by mouth'.
Question 5
The term 'nephrectomy' refers to the surgical repair of the kidney.
Correct Answer
False
'Nephrectomy' refers to the surgical removal of a kidney, not its repair. Surgical repair would be 'nephroplasty'.
Question 6
The prefix 'brady-' means slow.
Correct Answer
True
The prefix 'brady-' is used in terms like 'bradycardia' to indicate slowness.
Question 7
The suffix '-algia' indicates a surgical incision.
Correct Answer
False
The suffix '-algia' indicates pain, as in 'myalgia'. A surgical incision is indicated by '-otomy'.
Question 8
When combining two word roots, a combining vowel is always used, even if the second root begins with a vowel.
Correct Answer
True
When two word roots are joined, a combining vowel is typically used between them, regardless of whether the second root begins with a vowel, to facilitate pronunciation. For example, 'gastroenterology'.
Question 9
The word root 'hemo' refers to the liver.
Correct Answer
False
The word root 'hemo' refers to blood. The word root for liver is 'hepato' or 'hepar'.
Question 10
The suffix '-plasty' refers to surgical repair.
Correct Answer
True
The suffix '-plasty' denotes surgical repair or reconstruction, as in 'rhinoplasty'.
Question 11
The prefix 'hyper-' indicates a condition of being below normal or deficient.
Correct Answer
False
The prefix 'hyper-' indicates a condition of being above normal or excessive. The prefix 'hypo-' indicates below normal or deficient.
Question 12
The term 'thoracentesis' refers to the surgical puncture of the chest cavity to remove fluid.
Correct Answer
True
'Thoracentesis' combines 'thorac/o' (chest) and '-centesis' (surgical puncture to remove fluid).
Question 13
All medical abbreviations are universally understood and carry no risk of misinterpretation.
Correct Answer
False
Many medical abbreviations are context-dependent or have multiple meanings, leading to potential misinterpretation and patient safety risks. Organizations like The Joint Commission have 'Do Not Use' lists for abbreviations.
Question 14
The combining form 'oste/o' refers to bone.
Correct Answer
True
'Oste/o' is the combining form for bone, as seen in terms like 'osteoporosis'.
Question 15
The term 'dermatitis' means inflammation of the stomach.
Correct Answer
False
'Dermatitis' means inflammation of the skin ('dermat' means skin), not the stomach. Inflammation of the stomach is 'gastritis'.
Question 16
The prefix 'uni-' means one, while 'bi-' means two.
Correct Answer
True
These prefixes indicate number, with 'uni-' meaning one (e.g., unilateral) and 'bi-' meaning two (e.g., bilateral).
Question 17
In the term 'electrocardiogram', 'cardio' is a prefix.
Correct Answer
False
In 'electrocardiogram', 'cardio' is a word root (or combining form 'cardi/o') meaning heart. 'Electro-' is a combining form indicating electricity.
Question 18
A medical term must always contain at least one prefix and one suffix.
Correct Answer
False
Many medical terms consist only of a word root and a suffix (e.g., gastritis), or a prefix and a word root (e.g., hypertension). A prefix is not always required, and some terms can be just a root (e.g., cranium).
Question 19
The combining form 'gastr/o' refers to the intestines.
Correct Answer
False
The combining form 'gastr/o' refers to the stomach. The combining form for intestines is 'enter/o'.
Question 20
The suffix '-ectomy' indicates the surgical removal of an organ or part.
Correct Answer
True
The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal or excision, as in 'appendectomy'.
Question 21
The term 'cephalic' refers to the head.
Correct Answer
True
The word root 'cephal' means head, so 'cephalic' relates to the head.
Question 22
The abbreviation 'PRN' means 'at bedtime'.
Correct Answer
False
The abbreviation 'PRN' means 'as needed' or 'when necessary'. 'At bedtime' is typically abbreviated 'HS' or 'qhs'.