Medical Terminology

Question 1

The registered nurse sees an order: Tylenol 325 mg PO every 4 hours for pain, PRN. What is the correct interpretation of PRN?
- As needed
- Right away
- Standing order
- Routine

Answer 1

As needed

Question 2

The registered nurse is caring for a patient who has bowel incontinence. The RN should understand that the patient has:
- Loss of bowel control
- An inability to defecate
- Hard stool
- Constipation

Answer 2

Loss of bowel control

Question 3

Febrile is defined as:
- Having symptoms of a fever
- Temperature of 98.6 F
- Lack of urination
- Productive cough

Answer 3

Having symptoms of a fever

Question 4

Emesis is defined as:
- The act of vomiting
- Loose liquid stool
- Bloody drainage
- Saliva

Answer 4

The act of vomiting

Question 5

Syncope is defined as:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Light headedness
- Nausea

Answer 5

Temporary loss of consciousness

Question 6

Bradycardia is defined as:
- Slower than normal heart rate
- Faster than normal heart rate
- Normal heart rate
- Skipping beats

Answer 6

Slower than normal heart rate

Question 7

A patient is prescribed a medication to be given BID. What does BID stand for?
- Twice per day
- Before in bed
- In the am
- By inhalation

Answer 7

Twice per day

Question 8

The physician writes the following order: Regular insulin AC. The nurse correctly administers the medication:
- Before meals
- With meals
- After breakfast
- With Lunch

Answer 8

Before meals

Question 9

Define STAT (stat):
- Immediately
- Fairly soon
- Within 4 hours
- Eventually

Answer 9

Immediately

Question 10

The registered nurse is caring for a patient who has an order to take a medication by mouth. What initials stand for “by mouth”?
- PO
- BM
- OP
- TM

Answer 10

PO