Medical Terms Flashcards
Common Prefixes/Suffixes, Medical Terms
A-
NOT, NO or LACK OF
-ALGIA
PAIN or SORENESS
BRADY-
SLOW
DYS-
DIFFICULT, ABNORMAL, or PAINFUL
-ECTOMY
SURGICAL REMOVAL
HEM-
BLOOD
HEPATO-
LIVER
HYPER-
HIGH, ABOVE NORMAL or EXCESSIVE
HYPO-
LOW or BELOW NORMAL
-ITIS
INFLAMMATION
MYO-
MUSCLE
NEPHRO
KIDNEY
OLIGO
TOO FEW or TOO LITTLE
PATHO- or -PATHY
DISEASE or SUFFERING
-PNEA
BREATHING
TACHY-
FAST
Abscess
a local collection of pus anywhere in the body
Agranulocytosis
a lack of granulocytes (White blood cells) produced by the bone marrow
Akathisia
An inability to stay still with constant movement (restlessness)
Akinesia
a lack of body movement
Alopecia
hair loss
Amenorrhea
the absence or cessation of menstruation
Amnesia, anterograde
a loss of memory related to events that occur AFTER a traumatic event
Amnesia, retrograde
a loss of memory related to events occurring BEFORE a traumatic event
Anaphylaxis
a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction occurring within 30-60 minutes of an exposure.
Symptoms can include hypotension, swelling of mouth and throat, difficulty breathing (bronchospasm, wheezing), hives, abdominal pain.
Aneurysm
an abnormal ballooning or bulge in the wall of a blood vessel (e.g. an artery) that can rupture (burst)
Angioedema
subcutaneous or submucosal swelling, typically in the tissues of the face, lips, mouth and throat. Can occur in isolation or as a component of anaphylaxis
Anion
negatively charged ion (e.g. Chloride)
Anorexia
significant loss of appetite or aversion to food
anorgasmia
an inability to achieve orgasm
anuria
no urine output
aortic dissection
a tear in the wall of the aorta, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers, separating (dissecting) them
Aphasia
lack of speech
Alogia
lack of speech
Apoptosis
cell death
Arrhythmia
abnormal heart beat
Arthralgia
joint pain
arthritis
joint inflammation
ascites
fluid accumulation within the peritoneal space of the abdomen
asplenia
decreased spleen function or absence of spleen
asthenia
lack of energy and strength; weakness
Ataxia
a lack of muscle control and uncoordinated body movements
Atelectasis
a completely or partially collapsed lung with reduced lung volume
Atherosclerosis
the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances within arterial walls, which leads to plaques and a narrowing of the arterial space
Attenuated
weakened
Atypical
unusual
Auscultation
listening to internal organs with a stethoscope
Axillary
armpit
avolition
a total lack of motivation
Azotemia
a buildup of urea, (a nitrogen waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) in the blood
Uremia
a buildup of urea, (a nitrogen waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) in the blood
Beyond Use Date
Expiration applied to compounded product, beyond which a product should not be used
Bilateral
both sides of body
Bioavailability
% of drug entering systemic circulation able to exert biological action
Blepharitis
eyelid inflammation
Bolus
single IV dose of medication administered all at once over a short period of time
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate (<60 BPM)
Bradykinesia
slow body movements
Bronchitis
Inflammation of bronchial tubes in lungs
Bulimia
Eating disorder of binge eating then self-induced vomiting
Cachexia
Extreme weight loss and muscle wasting due to chronic illness
Carbuncle
red inflamed cluster of furuncles (boils) with pus; can form abscess
Cardiomegaly
enlarged heart
Cataplexy
sudden, temporary loss of muscle control; inability to move while person is awake
Induced by strong emotions (laughing, crying, fear)
Cataract
Cloudiness covering lens of eye; caused by protein breakdown and results in blurred vision
Cation
positively charged ion
Cellulitis
skin or subcutaneous tissue infection of bacteria; redness, swelling, warmth and pain
Central line
Long catheter inserted into neck, upper line or groin vein and guided into large centra vein (SVC) to administer IV meds and fluids
Cerebrovascular Accident
blood flow to part of the brain is blocked causing brain cell death. AKA Stroke
Cerumen
ear wax
Chancre
painless ulcer; usually on genitals; associated with primary syphilis
Chelation
Ions and molecules bind to metal ions forming a non-absorbable complex
Cholecystectomy
surgical removal of gallbladder
Cholelithiasis
reduction or blockage of bile flow
Cirrhosis
advanced, irreversible fibrosis of liver
Coagulopathy
Excessive bleeding and impaired clot formation
Conjuctivitis
inflammation of thin clear membrane covering eyeball and lines inside of eyelid
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Treatment for OSA; using machine to pump air into airways; keeps the windpipe open while sleeping
Crystalluria
Presence of crystals in urine
Cystitis
Bladder inflammation
Delirium
acute change in mental status - incoherrent thoughts and speech, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, delusions and or paranoia
Delusion
false or irrational belief based on an incorrect interpretation of reality
Dementia
Memory loss and difficulty with thinking, problem solving and language that interferes with daily life
Desiccant
substance for preserving - removes moisture to keep dry
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemic crisis; life threatening; high blood glucose, anion gap metabolic acidosis and ketones in blood or urine
Dialysis
Removal of waste products and excess electrolytes from blood
Diaphoresis
excessive or abnormal sweating without explanation from environment or activity level
Diplopia
double vision
Dissection
tear in wall of blood vessel allowing blood to flow between the layers of the wall and separating them
Dyscrasia
disease or abnormal condition
Dysentery
infection of intestines - severe, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain
Dysgeusia
altered sense of taste
Dyskinesia
abnormal involuntary movements
Dysmenorrhea
Discomfort or pain during menstrual period
Dyspepsia
indigestion
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Dysphonia
voice impairment (hoarseness) or difficulty speaking
Dyspnea
difficult or labored breathing; SOB
Dystonia
involuntary movements and prolonged contractions of muscles that result in twisting body motions and abnormal body movements
Ectopic
abnormal place or position
Embolism
blood clot that travels
Empyema
collection of pus and fluid in body cavity
Encephalitis
inflammation of brain
Encephalopathy
brain disease, damage or malfunction resulting in AMS
Endocarditis
inflammation of heart valves or lining of heart chambers
Endometriosis
painful condition in which tissue that normals lines the uterus has grown outside the uterus
Endometrium
uterus
Enteral
intestinal
Enuresis
involuntary urination
Epistaxis
nose bleed