Chapter 01: Medical Terminology Basics
Niedzwiecki: Kinn’s Medical Assisting Fundamentals, 1st Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

	1.	Alzheimer’s disease is an example of a(n)
a.	prefix.	
b.	word root.	
c.	eponym.	
d.	decodable term.	

ANS:	C
Eponyms are terms that are named after a person or a place. Alzheimer’s disease is named after the neurologist who first discovered the plaques and tangles in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

REF:	p. 3	OBJ:	1	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 |CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a

	2.	Arthr/o is an example of a
a.	prefix.	
b.	word root.	
c.	suffix.	
d.	combining form.	

ANS:	D
Arthr/o is an example of a combining form when used as part of a medical term.

REF:	p. 3 | Table 1.2		OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.b

	3.	In the term hypodermic, the prefix is
a.	hypo.	
b.	derm.	
c.	dermo.	
d.	ic.	

ANS:	A
To use a prefix with a term, simply add the prefix directly to the beginning of the term. The prefix of hypodermic would be hypo.

REF:	p. 9	OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.b

	4.	In the term neonatology, the suffix is
a.	neo.	
b.	nat.	
c.	nato.	
d.	logy.	

ANS:	D
The suffix for the term neonatology would be logy. A suffix occurs at the end of a word, and when used as a combining form, it can indicate the study of a particular body system.

REF:	p. 9 | Table 1.10		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.b

	5.	A word root for “bone” is
a.	osis.	
b.	oste.	
c.	ophthalm.	
d.	opsy.	

ANS:	B
Oste/o is the word root for bone.

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.b

	6.	The word component that refers to the stomach is
a.	gastr/o.	
b.	col/o.	
c.	enter/o.	
d.	path/o.	

ANS:	A
Gastr/o is the word component that refers to the stomach.

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.b

	7.	The prefix anti- means
a.	before.	
b.	after, behind.	
c.	near.	
d.	against.	

ANS:	D
The prefix anti- means against.

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	8.	If a patient is being treated for hypothermia, he/she has abnormally
a.	high body temperature.	
b.	low body temperature.	
c.	high blood pressure.	
d.	low blood pressure.	

ANS:	B
The prefix “hypo-” means “under”; therefore, the term hypothermia would mean “low body temperature.”

REF:	p. 9	OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	9.	A patient who has a prenatal visit sees her practitioner
a.	after the birth of her child.	
b.	before the birth of her child.	
c.	the time surrounding the birth of her child.	
d.	at the time of delivery.	

ANS:	B
A prenatal visit pertains to medical care received before the birth of a child.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	10.	A patient has a surgical procedure described as an arthrotomy. You know that the joint
a.	was incised.	
b.	was removed.	
c.	had a new opening made.	
d.	was visually examined.	

ANS:	A
The therapeutic intervention suffix tomy is used to describe an “incision or cutting” and arthr/o means “joint”; therefore, arthrotomy would indicate that the joint was incised.

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.8		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix | Terminology: Specialty/Surgical/Procedures	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	11.	A notation is made about an instrument to be ordered for the hospital. It makes a record of the electrical activity of the heart. The instrument is called an
a.	electrocardioscope.	
b.	electrocardiogram.	
c.	electrocardiograph.	
d.	electrocardiography.	

ANS:	C
Electrocardiography is a diagnostic procedure that is done to measure the electrical activity in the heart and is done by using an instrument called an electrocardiograph.

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.9		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	12.	You are checking a report for errors and find that one of the procedures listed is misspelled. Which one is it?
a.	Esophagogastroduodenoscopy	
b.	Colostomy	
c.	Tonsillectomy	
d.	Ostetomy	

ANS:	D
The term osteotomy refers to an incision into the bone. If two or more combining forms are used in a term, the combining vowel is retained between the two, regardless of whether the second combining form begins with a vowel or a consonant.

REF:	p. 8	OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	13.	Neurology is a discipline that would most likely treat patients with disorders of the
a.	nerves.	
b.	teeth.	
c.	stomach.	
d.	joints.	

ANS:	A
Neur/o means “related to nerves” and logy means “the study of”; therefore, neurology means “the study of nerves.”

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	14.	An instrument used to cut bone is an
a.	osteotome.	
b.	osteoscope.	
c.	osteotripter.	
d.	osteometer.	

ANS:	A
The term osteotome means an instrument used to cut bone. It includes the instrument suffix of tome and the term oste/o which means “bone.”

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.9		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	15.	A surgical repair of the external ear may be termed
a.	otoplasty.	
b.	oculoplasty.	
c.	tympanoplasty.	
d.	trophoplasty.	

ANS:	A
The term otoplasty means “surgical repair of the ear.” It combines the term ot/o, which means “ear,” with the term plasty which indicates a “surgical repair.”

REF:	p. 4 | Table 1.3		OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix | Terminology: Specialty/Surgical/Procedures	
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	16.	The study of disease is
a.	pathology.	
b.	neonatology.	
c.	obstetrics.	
d.	biology.	

ANS:	A
The term pathology describes the study of disease.

REF:	p. 8	OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	17.	An enlargement of the heart is
a.	cardialgia.	
b.	cardiopathy.	
c.	cardiorrhexis.	
d.	cardiomegaly.	

ANS:	D
The term cardiomegaly describes an enlargement of the heart. It uses the combined term cardio, which means “of the heart,” and the term megaly, which means an “enlargement.”

REF:	p. 7 | Table 1.6		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	18.	A new opening of the small intestines is a(n)
a.	colostomy.	
b.	colotomy.	
c.	enterostomy.	
d.	enterotomy.	

ANS:	C
The term enterosotomy refers to a new opening of the small intestines. It uses the combined term enter/o which means “small intestine,” and the term stomy, which means “new opening.”

REF:	p. 5	OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	19.	A dermatosis would be a(n)
a.	abnormal condition of the skin.	
b.	examination of the skin.	
c.	discharge or flow from the skin.	
d.	instrument for cutting the skin.	

ANS:	A
The term dermatosis would refer to an abnormal condition of the skin.

REF:	p. 7 | Table 1.6		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix | Terminology: Specialty/Surgical/Procedures	
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	20.	As part of the operative procedure, the surgeon performs an enteroplasty. You know that she has ____ part of the intestines.
a.	enlarged	
b.	sutured	
c.	drained	
d.	repaired	

ANS:	D
The term enteroplasty means a repair of the intestines. It combines the term enter/o, which means “small intestine,” with the term plasty, which indicates that it is a “surgical repair.”

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.8		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix | Terminology: Specialty/Surgical/Procedures	
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	21.	In the term “periosteum,” you know that the suffix refers to
a.	a structure.	
b.	surrounding.	
c.	bone.	
d.	through.	

ANS:	A
The suffix um of the term periosteum refers to a structure, thing, or membrane.

REF:	p. 6 | Table 1.4		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	22.	Patients with food caught in their interdental spaces have pieces of food
a.	within their teeth.	
b.	between their teeth.	
c.	under their teeth.	
d.	above their teeth.	

ANS:	B
The term interdental means “between teeth,” and it uses the combined terms of inter, meaning “between,” and the term dental, referring to “teeth.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	23.	Examining the term epidermis, you would expect that the word part epi- refers to a structure ____ the dermis.
a.	below	
b.	around	
c.	within	
d.	above	

ANS:	D
The prefix epi of the term epidermis indicates that it is above or upon the skin.

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	24.	If you are told that “cutane/o” is a combining form for the skin, then percutaneous would refer to a term that describes something that is ____ the skin.
a.	under	
b.	through	
c.	surrounding	
d.	before	

ANS:	B
The prefix per of the term percutaneous would indicate that it is through the skin.

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	25.	You have just heard a word that begins with an “n” sound, but you cannot find it in the dictionary under the letter “N.” What other letter combinations could you try?
a.	sn	
b.	tn	
c.	pn	
d.	an	

ANS:	C
A term that begins with an “n” sound may actually begin with the letters “pn.”

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.13		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	26.	One of your professors is using a term that sounds like it starts with a “z,” but you have read every Z term in your dictionary, and it’s not there. You should try looking under the letter
a.	Y.	
b.	X.	
c.	W.	
d.	S.	

ANS:	B
A term that begins with a “z” sound may actually begin with the letter “x.”

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.13		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	27.	The professor dictated the terms that would be included on the next examination, but you didn’t recognize the one that started with a “t” sound. Later when reviewing your notes, you realize that it could have started with a(n)
a.	p.	
b.	s.	
c.	g.	
d.	n.	

ANS:	A
A term that begins with a “t” sound may actually begin with the letters “pt.”

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.13		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	28.	You are sure that you heard an “f” sound at the beginning of the term meaning a bone of the fingers or toes. After exhausting your possibilities in the F section of the dictionary, you realize that you could also try which letter combination?
a.	sh	
b.	ph	
c.	th	
d.	pt	

ANS:	B
A term that begins with an “f” sound may actually begin with the letters “ph.”

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.13		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	29.	Most medical terms are from which two languages?
a.	Spanish, English	
b.	English, Latin	
c.	English, Greek	
d.	Greek, Latin	

ANS:	D
Medical terminology has its roots in Greek and Latin, like much of the English language.

REF:	p. 12	OBJ:	1	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	30.	Which is spelled correctly?
a.	Gastrotomy	
b.	Gastroectomy	
c.	Gastroscopy	
d.	Gastroistis	

ANS:	A
The term gastrotomy refers to an incision of the stomach.

REF:	p. 4 | Table 1.3		OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	31.	The plural of vertebra is
a.	vertebri.	
b.	vertebras.	
c.	vertebrus.	
d.	vertebrae.	

ANS:	D
If a term ends in -a, you form the plural by dropping the -a and adding -ae, such as vertebrae.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a

	32.	The plural of diagnosis is
a.	diagnoses.	
b.	diagnosi.	
c.	diagnosises.	
d.	diagnosae.	

ANS:	A
If a term ends in -is, you form the plural by dropping the -is and adding -es, such as diagnoses.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a

	33.	The plural of phalanx is
a.	phalangi.	
b.	phalanxae.	
c.	phalanges.	
d.	phalangus.	

ANS:	C
If a term ends in -nx, you form the plural by dropping the -nx and adding -nges, such as phalanges.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a

	34.	What is the singular of thrombi?
a.	Thromba	
b.	Thrombus	
c.	Thrombis	
d.	Thromba	

ANS:	B
The singular form of the term thrombi is thrombus.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	35.	What is the singular of septa?
a.	Septus	
b.	Septi	
c.	Septae	
d.	Septum	

ANS:	D
The singular form of septa is septum.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	36.	What is the singular of prognoses?
a.	Prognosum	
b.	Prognosis	
c.	Prognosa	
d.	Prognose	

ANS:	B
Prognosis is the singular form of prognoses.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	37.	What is the singular of larynges?
a.	Larynx	
b.	Larynge	
c.	Larynis	
d.	Laryna	

ANS:	A
Larynx is the singular form of larynges.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	38.	What is the plural of digitus?
a.	Digites	
b.	Digities	
c.	Digitusi	
d.	Digiti	

ANS:	D
Digiti is the plural form of digitus.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a

	39.	Which of the following is a “sign”?
a.	Fever	
b.	Pain	
c.	Dizziness	
d.	Itching	

ANS:	A
A “sign” is an objective finding of a disease state (e.g., fever, high blood pressure, rash).

REF:	p. 3	OBJ:	1	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	40.	A patient is treated for kidney stones with a machine called a lithotripter. Its function is to ____ stones.
a.	crush	
b.	incise	
c.	view	
d.	record	

ANS:	A
A lithotripter is a machine used to crush kidney stones.

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.9		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions		
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	41.	The study and treatment of the eye are
a.	ophthalmology.	
b.	oncology.	
c.	otology.	
d.	odontology.	

ANS:	A
Ophthalmology is a term used when referring to “the study and treatment of the eye.” It uses the terms ophthalm/o which means “eye,” and the term logy which means “the study of.”

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	42.	One of the terms used to describe a patient’s healthy condition starts with a “u” sound. You can’t find it in the U listings, so you check under which spelling?
a.	ou	
b.	au	
c.	eu	
d.	yu	

ANS:	C
A term that begins with a “u” sound may actually begin with the letters “eu.”

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.13		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	43.	Which of the following disorders is an inflammation?
a.	Cardiomegaly	
b.	Enteritis	
c.	Ophthalmology	
d.	Arteriostenosis	

ANS:	B
The term enteritis uses the suffix itis which means “inflammation.”

REF:	p. 7 | Table 1.6		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	44.	An antibacterial agent
a.	produces bacteria.	
b.	is against bacteria.	
c.	surrounds bacteria.	
d.	is without bacteria.	

ANS:	B
The term antibacterial uses the prefix anti which means “against.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	45.	A patient with an enteropathy has a(n) ____ of the intestines.
a.	disease	
b.	surgical repair	
c.	suture	
d.	enlargement	

ANS:	A
The term enteropathy means “disease of the intestines.” It uses the combining form of entero/o, which means “intestines” and path/o which means “disease.”

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	46.	The o in the term thermometer is a
a.	prefix.	
b.	word root.	
c.	combining form.	
d.	combining vowel.	

ANS:	D
A combining vowel is a letter sometimes used to join word parts. Usually an “o” but occasionally an “a,” “e,” “i,” or “u.”

REF:	p. 2	OBJ:	1	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	47.	Which of the following is an eponym?
a.	ng	
b.	Achilles tendon	
c.	Cataract	
d.	+	

ANS:	B
Eponyms are terms that are named after a person or a place associated with the term, such as Achilles tendon.

REF:	p. 3	OBJ:	2	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	48.	Which of the following is an acronym?
a.	IM	
b.	C2	
c.	ng	
d.	TURP	

ANS:	D
Acronyms are abbreviations that are also pronounceable, such as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate).

REF:	p. 3	OBJ:	1	TOP:	Terminology: Abbreviations
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.d

	49.	A patient reports, “I can’t sleep, my throat is sore, my muscles ache, and my fever is 102.4° F.” Which is considered a sign?
a.	“Can’t sleep”	
b.	Sore throat	
c.	Muscle aches	
d.	102.4° F fever	

ANS:	D
A sign is an objective finding of a disease state (e.g., fever, high blood pressure, rash).

REF:	p. 3	OBJ:	1	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	50.	The patient reports that her breathing difficulties of the last few years have been getting progressively worse. After testing, her disease is diagnosed as one that she will most likely have for the next several years. Her disease is considered to be
a.	acute.	
b.	chronic.	
c.	therapeutic.	
d.	CABG.	

ANS:	B
A chronic condition typically develops slowly and lasts for 6 months or longer.

REF:	p. 3	OBJ:	1	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	51.	“Intra-” has a similar meaning to
a.	infra-.	
b.	inter-.	
c.	peri-.	
d.	endo-.	

ANS:	D
The prefix “intra-” has a similar meaning to the prefix “endo-.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	52.	The opposite of “hyper-” is
a.	anti-.	
b.	hypo-.	
c.	epi-.	
d.	pre-.	

ANS:	B
The opposite of the prefix “hyper-” is the prefix “hypo-.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	53.	Which of the following means below or under?
a.	Dys-	
b.	Hypo-	
c.	Trans-	
d.	Post-	

ANS:	B
The prefix “hypo-” means “below or under.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	54.	The plural of pleura is
a.	pleurae.	
b.	pleuri.	
c.	pleurus.	
d.	pleures.	

ANS:	A
If a term ends in -a, you form the plural by dropping the -a and adding -ae, such as pleurae.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	55.	Which of the following suffixes indicates a therapeutic intervention?
a.	-megaly	
b.	-rrhea	
c.	-tripsy	
d.	-itis	

ANS:	C
A suffix of “-tripsy” would indicate a therapeutic intervention.

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.8		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	56.	The basketball player was back for yet another visual examination of his knee joint. He was there for an
a.	arthrotomy.	
b.	arthroscopy.	
c.	arthrotome.	
d.	arthroscope.	

ANS:	B
The term arthroscopy means a “visual examination of the knee joint.” It combines the term arthr/o which means “joint” with the term scope which means a “visual examination.”

REF:	p. 4 | Table 1.3 | p. 8 | Table 1.7	OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	57.	A patient scheduled for a gastrectomy was having a(n) ____ of his stomach.
a.	visual examination	
b.	incision	
c.	excision	
d.	enlargement	

ANS:	C
Gastrectomy means an “excision of the stomach.” It combines the term gastr/o which means “of the stomach” with the therapeutic intervention suffix of -ectomy means “excision.”

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.8		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	58.	A patient scheduled for a procedure to visualize the interior of a body cavity is having a(n)
a.	endoscopy.	
b.	biopsy.	
c.	pathology.	
d.	CABG.	

ANS:	A
An endoscopy is a procedure utilized to “visualize the interior of a body cavity.” It combines the term endo which means “within,” with the term scopy which means “process of viewing.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a | ABHES: 3.b

	59.	An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a procedure to _____ organs.
a.	remove	
b.	view	
c.	join	
d.	incise	

ANS:	B
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a procedure to view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

REF:	p. 5	OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	60.	Which of the following is misspelled?
a.	Hematology	
b.	Opthalmology	
c.	Otorhinolaryngology	
d.	Neurology	

ANS:	B
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	61.	A patient with rhinitis has an inflammation of his
a.	nose.	
b.	ear.	
c.	throat.	
d.	voice box.	

ANS:	A
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.13		OBJ:	2	
TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions		
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3

	62.	The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the heart is
a.	oncology.	
b.	hematology.	
c.	cardiology.	
d.	pathology.	

ANS:	C
Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of the heart.

REF:	p. 9	OBJ:	3	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	63.	A patient with a heart disorder would most likely be treated by a(n)
a.	hematologist.	
b.	geriatrician.	
c.	anesthesiologist.	
d.	cardiologist.	

ANS:	D
A cardiologist is a doctor with special training to treat conditions and diseases of the heart.

REF:	p. 9	OBJ:	3	TOP:	Terminology: Medical Word Definitions
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	64.	The singular of bacteria is
a.	bacterius.	
b.	bacterus.	
c.	bacterium.	
d.	bacteri.	

ANS:	C
Bacterium is the singular form of bacteria.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	65.	The plural of psychotherapy is
a.	pyschotherapies.	
b.	psychotherapys.	
c.	psychotherapyes.	
d.	psychotherapies.	

ANS:	D
The plural form of psychotherapy is psychotherapies.

REF:	p. 11 | Table 1.12		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Spelling	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.10 | ABHES: 3.a

	66.	An intraaortic balloon pump is placed ____ the aorta.
a.	within	
b.	outside	
c.	surrounding	
d.	below	

ANS:	A
The use of the prefix intra- in the term intraaortic balloon pump would indicate that it would be placed within the aorta.

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	67.	A child has otorrhea. Knowing that -rrhea means a discharge, you know that he has a
a.	discharge from his eye.	
b.	discharge from his nose.	
c.	discharge from his ear.	
d.	tumor of his eye.	

ANS:	C
The term otorrhea means “discharge from the ear.” It is a combined form of the prefix ot/o, which means “ear” and -rrhea which means “discharge.”

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	68.	Epi-, endo-, and pre- are examples of
a.	prefixes.	
b.	word roots.	
c.	combining forms.	
d.	suffixes.	

ANS:	A
Epi-, endo-, and pre- are examples of prefixes.

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix	MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	69.	An incision into the stomach is called a
a.	gastroscopy.	
b.	gastrotomy.	
c.	gastrectomy.	
d.	gastrotome.	

ANS:	B
A gastrotomy is an “incision into the stomach.” It combines the term gastr/o which means “of the stomach” and the term tomy which means “incision.”

REF:	p. 8 | Table 1.18		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	70.	The study of a newborn baby is
a.	obstetrics.	
b.	neonatology.	
c.	fetology.	
d.	gynecology.	

ANS:	B
Neonatology is the “study of a newborn baby.” It combines the term neo, which means “new” with the term nat/o which means “birth,” as well as the term logy, which means the “study of.”

REF:	p. 10 | Table 1.11		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a

	71.	The branch of medicine that deals with treatment of the mind is
a.	geriatrics.	
b.	psychiatry.	
c.	immunology.	
d.	anesthesiology.	

ANS:	B
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that deals with “treatment of the mind.” It combines the term psych/o which means “mind,” with the term iatry, which means “process of treatment.”

REF:	p. 12 | Table 1.14		OBJ:	3	
TOP:	Terminology: Structure of Medical Words | Terminology: Word Combinations | Terminology: Medical Word Definitions | Terminology: Root/Prefix/Suffix
MSC:	CAAHEP: V.C.9 | ABHES: 3.a