APPENDIX
Title Goes
Here
and I need
Medical
Terminology
the longest title
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
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minology involves breaking words down into their separate
National EMS Education Standard
components of prefix, suffix, and root word and having a
Competencies
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LLCworking knowledge of those
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parts. & Bartlett Learning, LLC
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Medical Terminology
Prefixes
Uses foundational anatomical and medical terms and abbreviations in
written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care
professionals.
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Medical Terminology
6
It is critical that you have a strong working knowledge of
medical terminology. The language of medicine is primarily
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& Bartlett
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LLC
derived
from ancient
Greek and
Latin. Medical terminolNOT FOR
DISTRIBUTION
ogy isSALE
used inOR
international
language, and it is also neces-
6
A prefix appears at the beginning of a word and generally
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Bartlett
Learning,
LLC
describes location
and &
intensity.
Prefixes
are frequently
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OR DISTRIBUTION
found in general
(ie, autopilot,
submarine, tricycle), as well as in medical and scientific terminology. When
a medical word (ventilation) contains a prefix (hyper), the
meaning of the word is altered (hyperventilation). Not all
medical&terms
have prefixes.
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Bartlett
Learning, LLC
By
learning
to
recognize
a few of the more commonly
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used medical prefixes, you can figure out the meaning of
terms that may not be immediately familiar to you. See
Table A-1 for a list of common prefixes.
sary for communicating with other medical personnel. The
wider your vocabulary base, the more competent you seem
to the rest of the medical community and the better the
patient care you will be able
provide.&Understanding
ter©toJones
Bartlett Learning,
LLC
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Table A-1
Prefix
a-
Common
Prefixes
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Meaning
Prefix
Meaning
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Prefix
Meaning
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without, lack of
calc-
stone; also heel
dys-
difficult, painful, abnormal
ab-
away from
cardi(o)-
pertaining to the heart
ect(o)-
out from
abdomi(n)-
abdomen
cephal(o)-
pertaining to the head
electro-
pertaining to electricity
acr(o)-
pertaining to an extremity
cerebr(o)-
pertaining to the cerebrum, a
part of the brain
end(o)-
within
aden(o)-
pertaining to a gland
an-
without, lack of
chole-
pertaining to bile
erythr(o)-
ana-
up, back, again
pertaining to red or to
erythrocytes (red blood cells)
chondr(o)-
pertaining to cartilage
angio-
vessel
eu-
easy, good, normal
circum-
around, about
ante-
before, forward
cost(o)-
pertaining to a rib
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adto, toward
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cervic(o)-
© Jones & Bartlett enter(o)Learning,pertaining
LLC to the intestines
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FOR
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ORepi-DISTRIBUTION
pertaining
to the
neck or
the
upon, on
uterine cervix
anti-
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
contraagainst, opposite
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OR DISTRIBUTION
against, opposed to
arteri(o)-
artery
cyan(o)-
blue
arthro-
pertaining to a joint
cyst(o)-
pertaining to the bladder or any
fluid-containing sac
autobibi(o)-
self
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& Bartlett Learning,
cyt(o)-LLC pertaining to a cell
two
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FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
dedown from
pertaining to life
blast(o)-
germ or cell
dermat(o)-
pertaining to the skin
blephar(o)-
pertaining to an eyelid
di-
twice, double
brady-
slow
dia-
through, completely
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ex(o)extra-
outside
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& Bartlett Learning, LLC
outside,
in addition
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FOR
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gastr(o)-
pertaining to the stomach
glyc(o)-
sugar
gynec(o)-
pertaining to females or the
female reproductive organs
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Learning, LLC
hemat(o)pertaining to blood
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hemi-
half
hem(o)-
pertaining to blood
hepat(o)-
pertaining to the liver
hom-
same or like
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Table A-1 continues
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78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 1
3/2/10 10:32 AM
SECTION
1507
Appendix Medical Terminology
Prefixes,
A-1 Common
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Bartlett
Learning,
LLC continued
NOT FORPrefix
SALE OR Meaning
DISTRIBUTION
Prefix
XX
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT
FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Meaning
Prefix
Meaning
hydr(o)-
water
nephr(o)-
pertaining to the kidney
pre-
before
hyper-
over, excessive
neur(o)-
pro-
before, in front of
hypo-
under, deficient
pertaining to a nerve or the
nervous system
hyster(o)-
pertaining to the uterus
infra-
below
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Learning,
LLC
noctnight
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little, deficient
proct(o)-
pertaining to the rectum
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false
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pseud(o)-
26 Respiratory Emergencies
27 Cardiovascular Emergencies
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LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Neurologic
Emergencies
28
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Endocrine
Emergencies
29
30 Allergic Reactions
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Learning, LLC
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Gastrointestinal
Emergencies
31
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Renal
and
Urologic
Emergencies
32
33 Toxicology: Substance Abuse and Poisoning
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Bartlett Learning, LLC
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34 Hematologic
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Environmental
Emergencies
35
36 Infectious and Communicable Diseases
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Behavioral
Emergencies
37
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Gynecologic
Emergencies
38
tion.” When this suffix is paired with the prefix arthro-,
Obstetrics
39
Suffixes
meaning joint, the resulting word is arthritis, an inflamma6
tion&ofBartlett
the joints.Learning,
Sometimes itLLC
is necessary to change the
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
© Jones
Suffixes are placed at the end of words to change the origiinter-
between
intra-
within
iso-
equal
latero-
side
leuk(o)-
pertaining to anything white or
to leukocytes (white blood cells)
oophor(o)-
pertaining to the ovary
ophthalm(o)-
pertaining to the eye
orchid(o)-
pertaining to the testicles
orchi(o)-
pertaining to the testicles
ortho-
straight or normal
oste(o)-
pertaining to bone
psych(o)-
pertaining to the mind
pulm(o)-
pertaining to the lung
pyel(o)-
pertaining to the kidney or pelvis
py(o)-
pertaining to pus
quadr(i)-
four
retr(o)-
backward or behind
rhin(o)-
pertaining to the nose
salping(o)-
pertaining to a tube
scler(o)-
hard; also means pertaining to
the sclera
lith(o)-
pertaining to a stone
ot(o)-
pertaining to the ear
macro-
large
para-
by the side of
mal-
bad or abnormal
path(o)-
pertaining to disease
medi-
middle
per-
through
semi-
half or partial
mega-
large
peri-
around
sub-
under, moderately
mening(o)-
pertaining to a membrane,
particularly the meninges
phag(o)-
pertaining to eating, ingesting,
or engulfing
super-
above, excessive, or more than
normal
micro-
small
pharyng(o)-
above
one
pertaining to the throat, or
pharynx
supra-
mono-
tachy-
fast
myel(o)-
pertaining to the spinal cord,
the bone marrow, or myelin
pertaining to a vein
thorac(o)-
pertaining to the chest
pneum(o)-
pertaining to respiration, the
lungs, or air
trans-
across
phleb(o)-
my(o)-
pertaining to muscle
tri-
three
nas(o)-
pertaining to the nose
poly-
many
uni-
one
ne(o)-
new
post-
after, behind
vas(o)-
vessel
last letter
or letters
of the root word or prefix when a suffix
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OR DISTRIBUTION
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nal meaning. In medical terminology, a suffix usually indicates a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech.
A commonly used suffix is -itis, which means “inflamma-
Table A-2
Suffix
is added to make pronunciation easier. See Table A-2 for a
list of common suffixes.
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Common
Suffixes
Meaning
Suffix
-algia
pertaining to pain
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& Bartlett Learning, -centesis
LLC
-asthen(o)
weakness
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-blast
immature cell
-cele
pertaining to a tumor or
swelling
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Meaning
Suffix
pertaining to a procedure in
which an organ or body cavity
is punctured, often to drain
excess fluid or obtain a sample
for analysis
Meaning
-emia
to the presence of a
© Jones &
Bartlettpertaining
Learning,
LLC
substance in the blood
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DISTRIBUTION
pertaining to sensation or
-cyte
cell
-ectomy
surgical removal of
perception
-genic
causing
-gram
record
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Table A–2 continues
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78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 2
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1508
Appendix Medical Terminology
Title Goes Here and I need
the longest title
Common
Suffixes,
Table
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& A-2
Bartlett
Learning,
LLCcontinued
NOT FOR
SALE OR
DISTRIBUTION Suffix
Suffix
Meaning
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NOT FOR SALE OR
DISTRIBUTION
Meaning
Suffix
Meaning
-graph
a record or the instrument used
to create the record
-pathy
disease or a system for treating
disease
-rrhagia
-itis
inflammation
-phagia
pertaining to eating or
-rrhaphy
-lysis
decline, disintegration, or
destruction
-megaly
enlargement of
-phobia
pertaining to an irrational fear
-ology
science of
-plasty
plastic surgery
-oma
tumor
-plegia
paralysis
-osis
-ostomy
swallowing LLC
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-phasiaOR DISTRIBUTION
pertaining to speech
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pertaining&
to aBartlett
disease process
-pnea LLC pertaining to breathing
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Learning,
(see also -sis)
-ptosis
drooping
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surgical creation of an opening
-rrhage
-rrhea
-scope
abnormal or excessive flow or
discharge
suture of; repair of
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flow or discharge
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FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
instrument for examination
-scopy
examination with an instrument
-sis
a process, action, or condition
-taxis
order, arrangement of
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-trophic
pertaining
to nutrition LLC
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OR DISTRIBUTION
-uria SALE
pertaining
to a substance in
abnormal or excessive flow or
discharge
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Root Words
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6
The main part or stem of a word is called a root word. A
the urine or the condition so
indicated
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LLC
A frequently
usedLearning,
term in EMS
is CPR, which stands
forFOR
cardiopulmonary
resuscitation. When we break it
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down, cardio is a root word meaning “heart,” and pulmonary is a root word meaning “lungs.” By performing CPR
root word conveys the essential meaning of the word and
we introduce air into the lungs and circulate blood by
frequently indicates a body part. Using a combining form,
compressing the heart to resuscitate the patient. Some root
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Bartlett
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the root word and a combining
vowel&such
as i, e, Learning,
o, or a
words may also be used as prefixes or suffixes. See Table A-3
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NOT FOR
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OR DISTRIBUTION
may be combined with another
root word,
a prefix,
or a
for a list of common root words.
suffix to describe a particular structure or condition.
Jones
& Bartlett Learning, LLC
Common
Table©NOT
A-3
Root
WordsOR DISTRIBUTION
FOR SALE
Root Word
Meaning
Root Word
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Meaning
Root Word
Meaning
abdomin-
abdomen
bi-
life; also two
chondr-
cartilage
acou-
hear
bronch-
windpipe
cili-
eyelid
bucc-
cheek
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adengland
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cleid(o)clavicle
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adip-
fat
bursa
pouch or sac
cubitus
elbow
alb-
white
callus
cyan-
blue
alges-
pain
cycl-
circle or cycle
andr-
male
ard, thick skin; also a
h
meshwork of connective tissue
that forms during the healing
process after a fracture
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vessel
carcincancer
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OR
DISTRIBUTION
large artery exiting from the
cardiheart
angiaorta
left ventricle of the heart
aqua-
water
arteri-
artery
arthrasphyxia
cystcytderm(at)-
bladder
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cell
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FOR
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skin
great arteries of the neck
digit
finger or toe
carpus
wrist
ede-
swelling
cent-
a fraction in the metric system;
enter-
intestine
cephal-
head
febr-
fever
cervic-
neck
flex
bend
chol-
bile
foramen
opening
carotid
joint
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& Bartlett Learning, LLC one hundredth or 100
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Learning, LLC
erythrred
lackFOR
of oxygen
or excess
of DISTRIBUTION
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OR
centeto puncture (a body cavity) NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
esthesensation or perception
carbon dioxide in the body that
results in unconsciousness
asthenaudi-
weak
to hear
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Table A-3 continues
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78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 3
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SECTION
Appendix Medical Terminology
1509
XX
Root
A-3 Common
© Jones &Table
Bartlett
Learning,
LLCWords, continued © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FORRoot
SALE
OR Meaning
DISTRIBUTION
Word
Root Word NOT
Meaning
Root Word Meaning
fract-
break
ov-
egg
sept-
wall, divider; also seven
gastr-
stomach
palpate
to examine by touch
serum
gest-
carry, produce, congestion
path-
disease
the clear portion of body fluids,
including blood
glyc(y)-
sweet
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pedchild or foot
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© Jones
Bartlett
Learning,
LLC
cavity,&
channel
or hollow
space
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som(a)body SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
sinus
26 Respiratory Emergencies
27 Cardiovascular Emergencies
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LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Neurologic
Emergencies
28
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Endocrine
Emergencies
29
30 Allergic Reactions
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Learning, LLC
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Gastrointestinal
Emergencies
31
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Renal
and
Urologic
Emergencies
32
33 Toxicology: Substance Abuse and Poisoning
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Bartlett Learning, LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
34 Hematologic
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Environmental
Emergencies
35
36 Infectious and Communicable Diseases
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LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Behavioral
Emergencies
37
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Gynecologic
Emergencies
38
39 Obstetrics
gno-
know
percuss
to examine by striking
-gram
something written or recorded
phag-
eat
graph-
write, record
pharyng-
throat
gyn(ec)-
female
phot-
light
hem(at)-
blood
pleur-
hepat(ic)-
liver
pneum(at)-
heter-
other, different
hom-
the same
humerus
hydr-
spir-
coil
stasis
slowing or stopping of the
normal flow of a fluid, such as
blood
rib, side
stature
height
breath
stern(o)-
sternum (breastbone)
pneumo(n)-
lung
stoma
pod-
foot
the bone in the upper arm
pseud-
false
water
psych-
mind
any small opening on the
surface of the body, such as a
pore; also, the opening created
in the abdominal wall for the
passage of urine or feces
idi-
separate, distinct
pto-
fall
tach(y)-
rapid
iod(o)-
iodine
ptyal-
saliva
tact-
touch
tetra-
four
thorac-
chest
tom-
cut
toxic
poisonous
trich-
hair
ur-
urine
varic-
varicose vein
vas-
vessel
vertigo
a disordered sensation in
which one’s own body or the
surroundings are perceived as
moving
internal organs
lact-
milk
pur-, py-
pus
leuk-
white
pyr-
fire-
lingu-
tongue
mal-
abnormal
medi-
middle
mega-
large
quadr, quar-,
quat-
four
radius
the forearm bone on the thumb
side; also a line from the center
of a circle or sphere to the edge
melan-
black
ren-
kidney
men-
month
retina
inner nerve-containing layer of
the eye
mening-
membrane, usually refers to the
meninges
rhin-
nose
myel-
marrow or spinal cord
sangui(n)-
blood
my-
muscle
scler-
hard
viscer-
nephr-
kidney
sebum
a fatty secretion of the
sebaceous glands
viscous
ocul-
eye
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neurnerve
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ophthalm-
eye
ost(e)-
bone
ot-
ear
sectsepsis
sticky
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xenforeign (material)
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cut
xer-
the presence of
microorganisms or their toxins
in the blood; also the toxic
condition caused by such
presence
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
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Abbreviations
6
© Jonestake
& Bartlett
Abbreviations
the place Learning,
of words to LLC
shorten notes
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DISTRIBUTION
or documentation.
WhenOR
using
abbreviations on patient care reports, remember to use only standard, accepted abbreviations to avoid confusion and errors. See
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
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dry
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Table A-4 for a list of commonly used abbreviations. This
list is intended to help you decipher documents written by
other health
care professionals.
using any
abbrevia© Jones
& BartlettBefore
Learning,
LLC
tions in NOT
your own
reports,
be
familiar
with
accepted
use of
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abbreviations in your local jurisdiction or service area.
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78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 4
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1510
Appendix Medical Terminology
Title
Goes
Here
and
I
need
Table A-4
the longest title
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett
Learning, LLC
Common
NOT FOR SALE ORAbbreviations*
DISTRIBUTION
*Sometimes abbreviations are written with periods (for example, abd. and a.c.), and sometimes different capitalization might be used and might convey a
different meaning. Not all possible meanings for the abbreviations in this table are given here. Unless you are certain about the meaning, ask the person
who used the abbreviation.
Abbreviation
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Learning,
LLC
Abbreviation
Meaning
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
A&P
anatomy and physiology
a–
before
––
aa
of each (used in writing
prescriptions)
abd
ABG
© JonesMeaning
& Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Meaning
BS
BSA
Abbreviation
blood sugar, breath sounds, bowel
sounds, bachelor of science
(degree)
body surface area
c–
before meals
ACLS
advanced cardiac life support
ADL
activity of daily living
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Learning,
LLC
ad lib
as much as
desired
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OR external
DISTRIBUTION
AED SALE
automated
defibrillator
with
°C
degrees Celsius (centigrade)
Ca
calcium
dilation and curettage
D/C
discontinue
diff
differential
dig
digoxin
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Learning, LLC
DM
diabetes mellitus
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BVM LLC
bag-valve-mask
©
Jones & Bartlett Learning,
abdomen
bx
biopsy
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arterial FOR
blood gas
ac
D&C
DOA
dead on arrival
DOE
dyspnea on exertion
DON
director of nursing
DOS
dead on scene
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DPT
diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and
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pertussis vaccine
CA
cancer, cardiac arrest, chronologic
age, coronary artery, cold
agglutinin
AF
atrial fibrillation
CABG
coronary artery bypass graft
DSD
dry sterile dressing
AIDS
acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome
CAD
coronary artery disease
DtaP
CBC
complete blood count
diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and
acellular pertussis vaccine
AK
above the knee
DTP
diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and
pertussis vaccine
AKA
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Learning,
cc
cubic centimeterLLC
above the knee amputation
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DISTRIBUTION
CC or ORchief
complaint
A-line
arterial line
C/C
AMA
against medical advice
CCU
amb
ambulatory
coronary care unit
CHF
Cl–
congestive heart failure
anterior
cm3
cubic centimeter
AO 3 4
alert and oriented to person, place,
time, and self
CNS
central nervous system
c/o
complaining of
AP
anteroposterior, front-to-back,
action potential, angina pectoris,
anterior pituitary, arterial pressure
AMI
AMS
ant
myocardial infarction
chloride
©acute
Jones
& Bartlett Learning, LLC
altered mental status
cm
centimeter
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APC
atrial premature complex, activated
protein C, aspirin-phenacetincaffeine
water
ARDS
adult respiratory distress syndrome
ASA
aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
ASAP
as soon as possible
ASHD
arteriosclerotic or atherosclerotic
heart disease
BBB
bid
BKA
cardiac output, carbon monoxide
CO2
carbon dioxide
COLD
CP
chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease
chest pain, chemically pure,
cerebral palsy
CRNA
certified registered nurse
anesthetist
CRT
capillary refill time, cathode-ray
tube
CSF LLC
cerebrospinal fluid
©bundle
Jones
Bartlett Learning,
branch&
block
CSM
carotid sinus massage,
NOT
FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
twice daily
cerebrospinal meningitis
below the knee amputation
BM
bowel movement
BP
blood pressure
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
deep venous thrombosis
D5W
dextrose 5% in water
Dx
diagnosis
EDC
estimated date of confinement
EEG
electroencephalogram
eg
for example
© Jones & Bartlett EKG
Learning,
LLC
electrocardiogram
ENT
ears, nose, and throat
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FOR
SALE
OR
DISTRIBUTION
chronic obstructive lung disease
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CPR
resuscitation
NOT FOR SALE
ORcardiopulmonary
DISTRIBUTION
atrioventricular, arteriovenous
DVT
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& Bartlett
Learning, LLC
ECG
electrocardiogram
NOT FOR
SALE
ORdepartment
DISTRIBUTION
ED
emergency
CO
COPD
Aq
AV, A-V
DTs
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
delirium tremens
ER
emergency room
ET
endotracheal tube, endotracheal
ETA
estimated time of arrival
ETOH
ethyl alcohol
ETT
endotracheal tube
°F
degrees Fahrenheit
Fio2
fraction of inspired oxygen
FBS
fasting blood sugar
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Fe & Bartlett
iron
© Jones
Learning, LLC
FHR
fetal
heart
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DISTRIBUTION
FHT
fetal heart tones
CVA
cerebrovascular accident
FHx
family history
CVP
central venous pressure
fL
femtoliter
CXR
chest x-ray
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Table A-4 continues
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 5
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SECTION
Appendix Medical Terminology
1511
XX
Abbreviations,
continued © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
A-4 Common
© Jones &Table
Bartlett
Learning,
LLC
FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FORAbbreviation
SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Meaning
AbbreviationNOTMeaning
Abbreviation
Meaning
fl or fld
fluid
K+
potassium
MVP
mitral valve prolapse
FSH
follicle-stimulating hormone
KCl
potassium chloride
Na
sodium
fx
fracture
kg
kilogram
NA, N/A
g
gram
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
KUB
kidneys, ureters, and bladder
NOT FOR SALEKVO
OR DISTRIBUTION
keep vein open
NaCl
not applicable
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
sodium chloride
NOT
FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
no apparent distress, no
26 Respiratory Emergencies
27 Cardiovascular Emergencies
© Jones
& Bartlett Learning,
LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Neurologic
Emergencies
28
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Endocrine
Emergencies
29
30 Allergic Reactions
© Jones & Bartlett
Learning, LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Gastrointestinal
Emergencies
31
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Renal
and
Urologic
Emergencies
32
33 Toxicology: Substance Abuse and Poisoning
© Jones &Emergencies
Bartlett Learning, LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
34 Hematologic
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Environmental
Emergencies
35
36 Infectious and Communicable Diseases
© Jones
& Bartlett Learning,
LLC
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
Behavioral
Emergencies
37
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Gynecologic
Emergencies
38
39 Obstetrics
GB
gallbladder
GI
gastrointestinal
gm
gram
gr
grain
GSW
gunshot wound
gtt
drop(s)
L
appreciable disease
liter
NC
nasal cannula
lb
pound
NG
nasogastric
LE
lower extremity, left eye, lupus
erythematosus
NICU
neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM
non–insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus
GU
genitourinary
gyn
gynecology
h
hour
H, (H)
hypodermic
H&H
hemoglobin and hematocrit
H&P
history and physical
LPM
liters per minute
H/A
headache
LPN
licensed practical nurse
Hb, Hgb
hemoglobin
LR
lactated Ringer’s
Hct
hematocrit
LSD
lysergic acid diethylamide
Hg
mercury
LUL
left upper lobe of the lung
HH
hiatal hernia
LUQ
left upper quadrant of the abdomen
HIV
human immunodeficiency virus
LVN
licensed vocational nurse
H2O
water
m
meter
H2O2
hydrogen peroxide
MAE
moves all extremities
HPI
history of present illness
MAEW
moves all extremities well
hr
hour
MAP
mean arterial pressure
hs
at bedtime
mcg
microgram
MCL
midclavicular line, modified chest
lead
hertz
I&O
intake and output
IC
intracardiac, inspiratory capacity,
irritable colon
ICU
IDDM
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
IM
intramuscular
IO
LLL
left lower lobe of the lung
LLQ
left lower quadrant of the abdomen
NKA
no known allergies
L/M
liters per minute
NKDA
no known drug allergies
LMP
last menstrual period
NPA
nasopharyngeal airway
LOC
level of consciousness, loss of
consciousness
NPO
nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NS
normal saline
NSR
normal sinus rhythm
NTG
nitroglycerin
N/V
nausea and vomiting
N/V/D
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
intraosseous
NVD
neck vein distention
O2
oxygen
OB
obstetrics
OBS
organic brain syndrome
OD
overdose, right eye, optical density,
outside diameter, doctor of
optometry
OP
outpatient
OPA
oropharyngeal airway
mEq
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LLC
OR
operating room
NOT
FOR
SALE
OR
DISTRIBUTION
OS
left eye
milliequivalent
mg
milligram (mgm is a former symbol)
OU
both eyes
MI
myocardial infarction
mobile intensive care unit; medical
intensive care unit
oz
–
p
ounce
MICU
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
intracranial pressure
minute
NOT FOR SALEmin
OR DISTRIBUTION
intensive care unit
ICP
sodium bicarbonate
laceration, laparoscopic-assisted
colectomy
glucose tolerance test
Hz
NaHco3
LAC
GTT
hypertension
© Jones &HTN
Bartlett
Learning, LLC
Hx
NOT FOR SALE history
OR DISTRIBUTION
NAD
mL
milliliter
mm
millimeter
mm Hg
millimeters of mercury
pc
Pco2
after
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& Bartlett Learning, LLC
after meals
NOT
FOR
SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
partial pressure of carbon dioxide
PDR
Physician’s Desk Reference
PE
pulmonary embolism, physical
examination
PEA
pulseless
electrical activity
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& Bartlett
Learning, MRI
LLC magnetic resonance imaging
© Jones &
Bartlett
Learning,
LLC
intermittent
positive pressure
and reactive to light
MS
morphine sulfate, multipleNOT
sclerosisFORPEARL
NOTbreathing
FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
SALE pupils
OR equal
DISTRIBUTION
IPPB
IUD
intrauterine (contraceptive) device
MSO4
morphine sulfate
IV
intravenous
MVA
motor vehicle accident
JVD
jugular venous distention
MVC
motor vehicle crash
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
or PERL
ped or
peds
pediatric
PEEP
positive end-expiratory pressure
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Table A-4 continues
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 6
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1512
Appendix Medical Terminology
Title Goes Here and I need
the longest title
Common
Abbreviations,
continued
Table
© Jones
& A-4
Bartlett
Learning,
LLC
NOT FOR
SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
Abbreviation
Meaning
Abbreviation
PERRL
pupils equal, round, and reactive
to light
ROM
pH
hydrogen ion concentration
RUL
PID
pelvic inflammatory disease
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT
FOR SALE OR
DISTRIBUTION
Meaning
Abbreviation
Meaning
range of motion, rupture of
membranes
right upper lobe of the lung
PND
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Learning,
LLC
RUQ
right upper quadrant of the
NOT FOR SALE ORabdomen
DISTRIBUTION
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
po
per os (by mouth)
PO
postoperative, “post op”
Po2
partial pressure of oxygen
PRN
psi
PSVT
pt
Rx
prescription
–s
without
SC
subcutaneous, secretory
component
©
Bartlett Learning, LLC
proJones
re nata (as&
needed)
SICU
surgical intensive care unit
NOT
FOR
SALE
OR DISTRIBUTION
pounds per
square
inch
paroxysmal supraventricular
tachycardia
patient
PT & Bartlett
physical therapy
© Jones
Learning, LLC
PTA
prior to admission, plasma
NOT FOR SALE
OR DISTRIBUTION
thromboplastin antecedent
URI
upper respiratory infection
USP
United States Pharmacopeia
UTI
urinary tract infection
VD
venereal disease
vol
volume
VS
vital signs
W/
with
WBC
white blood cell
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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
WNL
within normal limits
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
SIDS
sudden infant death syndrome
wt
weight
SL
sublingual
yo
year old
SOB
shortness of breath
x–
except
SQ
subcutaneous
1°
first, first degree, primary
S/S
© Jones & Bartlett 2°Learning,
LLC
secondary, second degree
half
NOT FOR SALE OR↑ DISTRIBUTION
increase(d)
signs and symptoms
ss
PTT
partial thromboplastin time
stat
immediately
↓
decrease(d)
PVC
premature ventricular complex,
polyvinyl chloride
STD
sexually transmitted disease
Ø
no, not, none
Sub Q
subcutaneous
®
PVD
peripheral vascular disease
q
every
qd
every day
Sx
qh
every hour
tab
tablet
qid
four times a day
TB
tuberculosis
qod
RA
RAD
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Learning,
LLC
SVT
supraventricular tachycardia
NOT FOR SALE
ORsymptoms
DISTRIBUTION
sym or
right

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NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
micro

alpha

beta
∼
approximately
/
per

not equal

greater than
L
left
every
other day
TBA LLC
to be admitted, to be announced© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
©
Jones
& Bartlett Learning,
N
normal
rheumatoid
arthritis,
right
atrium
tbsp
tablespoon
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
NOT FOR
SALE
OR DISTRIBUTION
2
times two
reactive airway disease, right axis
deviation
RBC
red blood cell
Rh
Rhesus blood factor, rhodium
© Jones
& Bartlett
Learning, LLC
RHD
rheumatic heart disease
NOT FOR
SALE
OR
DISTRIBUTION
RL
Ringer’s lactate
RLL
right lower lobe of the lung
RLQ
right lower quadrant of the
abdomen
RN
registered nurse
R/O
rule out
tech
technician, technologist
TIA
transient ischemic attack
tid
three times a day
TKO
to keep open
TPR
temperature, pulse, respiration
tsp
teaspoon
Tx
treatment
U
unit
UA
urinalysis
less than
© Jones & Bartlett Learning,
LLC
questionable, possible
NOT FOR SALE OR? DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
UE
upper extremity
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION


change

negative

female

male
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
78286_APPx_AAOS.indd 7
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