Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Medical Terminology
• Language used by health care workers
• Includes specialized terms, abbreviations,
and symbols
• Precise terms prevent confusion and error
• Do not use when communicating with
patients
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Building Blocks
• Root
– Refers to structure and function of the body
• Combining Form
– Root plus vowel
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Building Blocks
• Combining Vowel
– Links root to next element
– Usually “o,” but can be “a,” “e,” “i,” or “u”
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Building Blocks
• Suffix
– Attaches to end of roots and combining forms
• Prefix
– Attaches to beginning of roots and combining
forms
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Building Blocks
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Deciphering Medical Terms
• Start from right and work left
– Identify meaning of the suffix
– Identify meaning of the root
– Identify meaning of the prefix (if there is one)
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Example
• Cardiology
– Suffix “-ology” means “study of”
– Root “cardi” means “heart”
– Prefix – none in this word
– Meaning
• Study of the heart
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Example
• Polyarthritis
– Suffix “-itis” mean “inflammation”
– Root “arthr” means “joint”
– Prefix “poly” means “many, much”
– Meaning
• Inflammation of many joints
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Spelling and Pronunciation
• Accuracy is critical
• Some words sound the same but they are
spelled differently
• One letter can completely change the
meaning
• Memorize pronunciation and plural form
guides
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Medical Abbreviations
and Symbols
• Shorthand
• Many are common, others vary
• Use only those listed on the facility’s
approved list
• If not on facility’s approved list, it cannot
be used
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Aids to Learning
• Purchase a medical dictionary
• Choose one that will be most helpful to
your individual needs
• Use study habits to build upon your
learning style
– Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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