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April 11, 2011
Welcome to the School of Nursing at the Johns Hopkins University!
As a faculty who coordinates one of your first semester courses I am making available to you some helpful and
useful information. I have included it below for your reading pleasure! There are two documents: the
“B.U.R.P.S.” list (Building and Understanding Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes) and “Talk like a Nurse” handout.
These documents list many of the medical terms used in your first semester classes and I believe will ease your
transition into a new way of speaking. I look forward to seeing you soon! Kate Lears, Course Coordinator
THE B.U.R.P.S LIST
Purpose: To become proficient in Building and Understanding Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes
Rationale: Building and understanding medical terminology is simpler when the words are broken down into
roots, prefixes and suffixes.
Steps:
 Review the B.U.R.P.S. tables and try to determine the definitions of the examples
 Notice the overlap among the three groups of roots, prefixes and suffixes
 Make new words by changing one part of the word. For example, if an appendectomy is the removal
of the appendix, then a nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney. Tachycardia is a fast heart rate and
tachypnea is a fast respiration rate.
 Log onto http://ec.hku.hk for other interactive exercises in medical terminology
Helpful Note: R/T means “related to”
TALK LIKE A NURSE
Purpose: To become familiar with acronyms commonly used by health care providers
Rationale: Different professions have unique languages; medicine and nursing are no exceptions. The
acronyms below are used in verbal and written communication in health care settings.
Steps:
 Review the attached list of acronyms (then you can start to critique shows like “House” and “Gray’s
Anatomy” for accuracy!)
 Notice that some acronyms have two different meanings; e.g., ROM stands for “range of motion” and
“rupture of membranes” - be careful when using abbreviations
 Go to www.pharma-lexicon.com and check out the search engines for other acronyms and medical
terminology
NOTE: All institutions have a list of accepted and “do not use” abbreviations. Always check with the institution
before using an abbreviation.
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THE B.U.R.P.S LIST
I. Roots
R/T Body Parts
Root
Angi(o), Vas(o)
Brachi(o)
Bucc(o)
Cardi(o)
Carp(o)
Cephal(o)
Colp(o)
Crani(o)
Cyst(o)
Cyto
Dactyl(o)
Encephal(o)
Enter(o)
Gloss(o)
Hemo, sanguin(o)
Hyster(o)
Mast(o), mamm(o)
Men(o)
Nephr(o), Ren(o)
Oophor(o)
Ophthalm, Ocul(o)
Ot(o), Auri, Aud
Phleb(o), Ven(o)
Pod
Rhin(o)
Salping(o)
Thorac(o)
Thromb(o)
Meaning
Blood vessel
Arm
Cheek
Heart
Wrist
Head
Vagina
Skull
Bladder
Cell
Finger, toe
Brain
Intestine
Tongue
Blood
Womb, uterus
Breast
Month, r/t menses
Kidney
Ovary
Eye
Ear
Vein
Foot
Nose
Fallopian tube
Chest
Clot
Other Roots
Root
Gluc(o)
Hydr(o)
Lact(o)
Lip(o), adip(o)
Therm
Meaning
Sweet, sugar
Water
Milk
Fat
Heat
Example(s)
Angioplasty, vasoconstriction
Brachial
Buccal
Cardiopathy
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cephalic
Colposcopy
Craniotomy
Cystoscopy, cystitis
Cytology, cytomegaly
Polydactyly
Encephalitis
Enteritis
Glossitis, glossopharyngeal
Hemolytic, serosanguinous
Hysterectomy
Mastitis, mammography
Menopause, menarche, dysmenorrheal
Nephrectomy, renal
Oopherectomy
Ophthalmoscope, ocular
Otitis, auricle, audiometer
Phlebitis, venous
Podiatrist
Rhinoplasty, rhinorrhea
Salpingectomy, salpingitis
Thoracotomy, thoracic
Thrombosis, thrombolytic
Example(s)
Glucose, glucometer
Hydrocephalus, hydrophobia
Lactosuria, lactating
Lipoma, adipose
Hyperthermia
II. Prefixes
R/T Colors
Prefix
Erythr(o)
Leuk(o), leuc(o)
Cyan(o)
Melan(o)
Cirrh(o)
Meaning
Red
White
Blue
Black
Yellow
Example(s)
Erythema, erythrocyte
Leukocytes, leukemia
Cyanosis
Melanin
Cirrhosis
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R/T Descriptions
Prefix
Ankyl(o)
Sten(o), Stric
Ortho
Kypho
Pseudo
R/T Measurements
Prefix
Macro
Micro
Poly, Hyper, Multi
Brady
Tachy
Oligo, Hypo
Iso
Diplo, Ambi
Hemi
Pan
R/T Positions
Prefix
Pro, Ante, Pre
Post
Super, supra
Sub
Dors(o)
Retro
Para
Re
Later(o)
Medi(o)
Schizo
Inter
Heter(o)
Hom(o)
Ad(o)
Ab(o)
Anti, Contra
Endo, In, Intra
Ex(o), Ec(to)
Epi
Dia, Trans
Peri, Circum
Sinister(a)
Dextr(o)
Meaning
Stiff, fixed, crooked
Narrow
Straight position
Bent, crooked
False
Meaning
Large
Small
Many, much
Slow
Fast
Few
Equal
Both, double
Half
All
Meaning
Before
After
Above
Below
Back
Backwards
Beside
Again
Side
Middle
Split
Between
Different
Same
Towards
Away from
Against
In, within, inside
Out
Upon, above
Through
Around
Left
Right
Example(s)
Ankylosis
Stenosis, stricture
Orthopnea, orthopedic
Kyphoscoliosis, kyphosis
Pseudostrabismus, pseudoaneurysm
Example(s)
Macrophage, macrocephaly
Microscopic, microorganism
Polydypsia, hyperthyroidism, multiple
Bradypnea
Tachycardia
Oliguria, hypothermia
Isometric, isotonic
Diplopia, ambidextrous
Hemiplegia, hemisphere
Pansystolic, pancytopenia
Example(s)
Prodromal, antepartum, precapillary
Postnatal, posterior
Superior, supraclavicular
Submandibular, subcutaneous
Dorsoflexion, dorsal
Retrograde, retrosternal
Paramedic, paranasal
Rehydrate, recuperate
Lateral
Medial, mediastinum
Schizophrenia
Intercostals, interdigital
Heterogeneous
Homozygous
Adduction, adhesion, adrenal
Abduction, abnormal
Antigen, contraception
Endocarditis, inhale, intrapartum
Exhale, ectopic
Epidermis, epigastric, epiglottis
Diameter, transfusion
Perinatal, circumcision
OS (oculus sinister – left eye)
OD (oculus dexter – right eye)
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R/T the Body
Prefix
Aden(o)
Arthr(o)
Cervic(o)
Costo
Cyto
Derm
Gastr(o)
Glosso
Heme
Hepat(o)
Lingu
Litho
My
Myo, myel
Neuro
Oto
Opti, Ocu
Osteo
Pneum(o), Pulm
Psycho
Rhino
Thor(a)
Vasc
Other Prefixes
Prefix
A(n)
Auto
Dys
Gravida
Neo
III. Suffixes
R/T Surgery
Suffix
Centesis
Ectomy
Lysis
Ostomy
Otomy
Plasty
R/T Diseases
Suffix
Algia
Cele
Emia
Gen
Itis
Meaning
Gland
Joint
Neck
Rib
Cell
Skin
Stomach
Tongue
Blood
Liver
Tongue
Stone
Muscle
Marrow
Nerve
Ear
Eye
Bone
Lung
Mind
Nose
Chest
Vessel
Example(s)
Adenoma, adenoids
Arthritis, arthroscopy
Cervical, cervicitis
Costochondritis, costovertebral
Cytology, cytomegaly
Dermatitis, dermatological
Gastritis, gastrointestinal
Glossopharyngeal, glossitis
Hematuria, hematemesis, hemangioma
Hepatitis, hepatocellular
Lingual, linguistic
Lithotomy, lithotripsy
Myoma, myalgia
Myelitis
Neuromyalgia
Otitis, otolaryngology
Optician, ocular
Osteoarthritis, osteopenia
Pneumothorax, pulmonary
Psychology, psychopath, psychosomatic
Rhinorrhea, rhinitis
Thoracic, thoracentesis
Vasculitis
Meaning
Without
Self
Difficult, painful
Pregnant, heavy
New
Meaning
Tap, puncture
Removal
Separate, destroy
Form an opening
Cut into
Repair
Meaning
Pain
Hernia, swelling
Blood
Producing
Inflammation
Example(s)
Anemia, avascular
Autoimmune
Dyspnea, dysuria
Gravidity
Neonatal, neoplasm
Example(s)
Thoracentesis
Mastectomy, appendectomy
Hemolysis
Colostomy
Tracheotomy, craniotomy
Rhinoplasty
Example(s)
Arthralgia, myalgia
Hydrocele, cystocele
Leukemia, anemia
Carcinogen, allergen
Appendicitis, hepatitis
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Megaly
Oid
Oma
Osis
Pathy
Penia
Phagia
Phasia
Plegia
Phobia
Pnea
Rrhage
Rrhea
Sclerosis
Spasm
Troph(o)
Uri(a)
Enlargement
Resemble
Tumor
Abnormal condition
Disease
Deficiency
Eating
Speech
Paralysis
Fear
Air, breathing
Burst forth
Flow, discharge
Hardening
Contraction
Nourishment
Urine
Other Suffixes
Suffix
Gram
Ology
Phon(o)
Scope
Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly
Fibroid, keloid
Adenoma, myoma
Dermatosis
Neuropathy, psychopathology
Cytopenia, thrombocytopenia
Dysphagia
Aphasia, dysphasia
Paraplegia, quadriplegia
Acrophobia, agoraphobia
Apnea, dyspnea, orthopnea
Hemorrhage
Diarrhea
Atherosclerosis
Bronchospasm
Atrophy, hypertrophy
Nocturia, dysuria
Meaning
Example(s)
Picture, record
Study of
Sound
Inspect
Electrocardiogram
Pathology, dermatology
Egophony, bronchophony
Microscope, laproscopic
TALK LIKE A NURSE
A-P
anterior-posterior
BUN
blood urea nitrogen
ASA
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
BX
biopsy
A&W
alive & well
c
with (cum)
bid
2x/day (bis in dies)
CA
cancer
BKA
below-the-knee amputation (AKA-above)
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
BM
bowel movement
CAD
coronary artery disease
BMI
body mass index
CAGE
cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener
BMR
basal metabolic rate
CAM
complementary alternative medicine
BPH
benign prostatic hypertrophy
CBC
complete blood count
BR
bed rest
CBE
clinical breast exam
BRP
bathroom privileges
CC
chief complaint
BS
bowel sounds
cc
cubic centimeter
BSE
breast self-examination
CHF
congestive heart failure
BSO
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
cm
centimeter
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CN
cranial nerve
ETOH ethanol (alcohol)
CNS
central nervous system
FB
foreign body
C/O
complains of
FBS
fasting blood sugar
Copd
chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease
FUO
fever of unknown origin
C&S
culture & sensitivity
FX
fracture
Csf
cerebrospinal fluid
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
Ct
computed(computerized) tomography
GI
gastrointestinal
Cta
clear to auscultation
GU
genitourinary
Cts
carpal tunnel syndrome
H&P
history and physical
Cva
cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
HA
headache
Cxr
chest x-ray
HBP
high blood pressure
D/C
Discharge, Discontinue
Hct
hematocrit
D & C dilatation and curettage
HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
DFA
difficulty falling asleep
hgb
hemoglobin
DJD
degenerative joint disease
Hib
hemophilus influenza B
DM
diabetes mellitus
h/o
history of (or Hx)
DNR
do not resuscitate
HOB
head of bed
DOA
dead on arrival
HPI
history of present illness
DOB
date of birth
HRT
hormone replacement therapy
DOE
dyspnea on exertion
hs
hour of sleep, bedtime
DPT
diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccine)
HTN
hypertension
DSM
diagnostic & statistical manual
I&D
incision and drainage
DTR
deep tendon reflexes
IM
intramuscular
DVT
deep vein thrombosis
I&O
intake and output
Dx
diagnosis
IV
intravenous
ECG
electrocardiogram (or EKG)
IVP
intravenous pyelogram
ED
emergency department
EEG
electroencephalogram-gram
JCAHO Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations
EMA
early morning awakening
JVD
jugular venous distention
ENT
ears, nose, and throat
KUB
kidney, ureter and bladder (x-ray)
EOM
extraocular muscles or movement
KVO
keep vein open
ERT
estrogen replacement therapy
LE
lower extremities
ESR
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
LFTs
liver function tests
last menstrual period
end-stage renal disease
LMP
ESRD
LNMP last normal menstrual period
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LOC
loss or level of consciousness
PND
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or post nasal drip
LP
lumbar puncture
PNS
peripheral nervous system
MI
myocardial infarction (heart attack)
PPD
purified protein derivative (TB skin test)
MMR measles, mumps, and rubella (vaccine)
pr
per rectum
MMSE mini mental state exam
PRN
as needed (pro re nata)
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
MS
mental status or multiple sclerosis
PROM passive range of motion or premature rupture of
membranes
NAD
no acute or apparent distress
PSA
prostate specific antigen (test)
NGT
nasogastric tube
PT
physical therapy
NKA
no known allergies
PTA
prior to admission
NKDA no known drug allergies
PUD
peptic ulcer disease
NPO
nothing by mouth (non peros)
PVD
peripheral vascular disease
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
q4h
every 4 hours
NSR
normal sinus rhythm
q6h
every 6 hours
NSS
normal saline solution
qam
every morning
NV
nausea/vomiting
qd
every day**
NVD
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
qh
every hour
NWB
non-weight bearing
qhs
every night
OA
osteoarthritis
qid
4x/day
OC
oral contraceptives
qod
every other day**
od
right eye (ocular dexter)
RA
rheumatoid arthritis or right atrium
OOB
out of bed
RBC
red blood cell
os
left eye (ocular sinister)
REM
rapid eye movements
OT
occupational therapy
RLQ
right lower quadrant
OTC
over-the-counter
R/O
rule out
ou
both eyes
ROM
range of motion or rupture of membranes
p
after
ROS
review of systems
p.c.
after meals
RRR
regular rate & rhythm
PCN
penicillin
R/T
related to
PE
physical examination or pulmonary embolism
s
without (sans)
PERRLA pupils equal, round, reactive to light and
accommodation
SBE
subacute bacterial endocarditis
SC
subcutaneous
PID
pelvic inflammatory disease
Sig
label
PMH
past medical history
SL
sublingual
PMI
point of maximal impulse (apical pulse)
SOB
shortness of breath
S/P
status post (after)
(RUQ, LLQ, LUQ)
8
sp.gr.
specific gravity
UE
upper extremities
S.Q.
subcutaneous(ly)
URI
upper respiratory infection
S/S
signs and symptoms
UTI
urinary tract infection
STAT
immediately
VS
vital signs
STS
serological test for syphilis
VSS
vital signs stable
Sx
symptoms
WBC
white blood cell
TCDB
turn, cough, deep breathe
WD/WN well developed, well nourished
TIA
transient ischemial attack (mini stroke)
WF/BF
tid
3x/day
TM
tympanic membrane
TMJ
temporomand-ibular joint
TNTC
too numerous to count
TPN
total parenteral nutrition
TURP
transurethral resection of prostate
TSE
testicular self- examination
UA
urinalysis
white female/black female
WM/BM white male/black male
WNL
y/o
within normal limits
years old
change
** appear on the JCAHO “Do Not Use” list – should
write out “daily” or “every other day”
Caution against using: < or >