Medical Terms Flashcards
Common Prefixes/Suffixes, Medical Terms (277 cards)
1
Q
A-
A
NOT, NO or LACK OF
2
Q
-ALGIA
A
PAIN or SORENESS
3
Q
BRADY-
A
SLOW
4
Q
DYS-
A
DIFFICULT, ABNORMAL, or PAINFUL
5
Q
-ECTOMY
A
SURGICAL REMOVAL
6
Q
HEM-
A
BLOOD
7
Q
HEPATO-
A
LIVER
8
Q
HYPER-
A
HIGH, ABOVE NORMAL or EXCESSIVE
9
Q
HYPO-
A
LOW or BELOW NORMAL
10
Q
-ITIS
A
INFLAMMATION
11
Q
MYO-
A
MUSCLE
12
Q
NEPHRO
A
KIDNEY
13
Q
OLIGO
A
TOO FEW or TOO LITTLE
14
Q
PATHO- or -PATHY
A
DISEASE or SUFFERING
15
Q
-PNEA
A
BREATHING
16
Q
TACHY-
A
FAST
17
Q
Abscess
A
a local collection of pus anywhere in the body
18
Q
Agranulocytosis
A
a lack of granulocytes (White blood cells) produced by the bone marrow
19
Q
Akathisia
A
An inability to stay still with constant movement (restlessness)
20
Q
Akinesia
A
a lack of body movement
21
Q
Alopecia
A
hair loss
22
Q
Amenorrhea
A
the absence or cessation of menstruation
23
Q
Amnesia, anterograde
A
a loss of memory related to events that occur AFTER a traumatic event
24
Q
Amnesia, retrograde
A
a loss of memory related to events occurring BEFORE a traumatic event
25
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.
26
Aneurysm
an abnormal ballooning or bulge in the wall of a blood vessel (e.g. an artery) that can rupture (burst)
27
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
28
Anion
negatively charged ion (e.g. Chloride)
29
Anorexia
significant loss of appetite or aversion to food
30
anorgasmia
an inability to achieve orgasm
31
anuria
no urine output
32
aortic dissection
a tear in the wall of the aorta, which allows blood to flow between the wall layers, separating (dissecting) them
33
Aphasia
lack of speech
34
Alogia
lack of speech
35
Apoptosis
cell death
36
Arrhythmia
abnormal heart beat
37
Arthralgia
joint pain
38
arthritis
joint inflammation
39
ascites
fluid accumulation within the peritoneal space of the abdomen
40
asplenia
decreased spleen function or absence of spleen
41
asthenia
lack of energy and strength; weakness
42
Ataxia
a lack of muscle control and uncoordinated body movements
43
Atelectasis
a completely or partially collapsed lung with reduced lung volume
44
Atherosclerosis
the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances within arterial walls, which leads to plaques and a narrowing of the arterial space
45
Attenuated
weakened
46
Atypical
unusual
47
Auscultation
listening to internal organs with a stethoscope
48
Axillary
armpit
49
avolition
a total lack of motivation
50
Azotemia
a buildup of urea, (a nitrogen waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) in the blood
51
Uremia
a buildup of urea, (a nitrogen waste product normally eliminated by the kidneys) in the blood
52
Beyond Use Date
Expiration applied to compounded product, beyond which a product should not be used
53
Bilateral
both sides of body
54
Bioavailability
% of drug entering systemic circulation able to exert biological action
55
Blepharitis
eyelid inflammation
56
Bolus
single IV dose of medication administered all at once over a short period of time
57
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate (<60 BPM)
58
Bradykinesia
slow body movements
59
Bronchitis
Inflammation of bronchial tubes in lungs
60
Bulimia
Eating disorder of binge eating then self-induced vomiting
61
Cachexia
Extreme weight loss and muscle wasting due to chronic illness
62
Carbuncle
red inflamed cluster of furuncles (boils) with pus; can form abscess
63
Cardiomegaly
enlarged heart
64
Cataplexy
sudden, temporary loss of muscle control; inability to move while person is awake
Induced by strong emotions (laughing, crying, fear)
65
Cataract
Cloudiness covering lens of eye; caused by protein breakdown and results in blurred vision
66
Cation
positively charged ion
67
Cellulitis
skin or subcutaneous tissue infection of bacteria; redness, swelling, warmth and pain
68
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
69
Cerebrovascular Accident
blood flow to part of the brain is blocked causing brain cell death. AKA Stroke
70
Cerumen
ear wax
71
Chancre
painless ulcer; usually on genitals; associated with primary syphilis
72
Chelation
Ions and molecules bind to metal ions forming a non-absorbable complex
73
Cholecystectomy
surgical removal of gallbladder
74
Cholelithiasis
reduction or blockage of bile flow
75
Cirrhosis
advanced, irreversible fibrosis of liver
76
Coagulopathy
Excessive bleeding and impaired clot formation
77
Conjuctivitis
inflammation of thin clear membrane covering eyeball and lines inside of eyelid
78
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Treatment for OSA; using machine to pump air into airways; keeps the windpipe open while sleeping
79
Crystalluria
Presence of crystals in urine
80
Cystitis
Bladder inflammation
81
Delirium
acute change in mental status - incoherrent thoughts and speech, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, delusions and or paranoia
82
Delusion
false or irrational belief based on an incorrect interpretation of reality
83
Dementia
Memory loss and difficulty with thinking, problem solving and language that interferes with daily life
84
Desiccant
substance for preserving - removes moisture to keep dry
85
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemic crisis; life threatening; high blood glucose, anion gap metabolic acidosis and ketones in blood or urine
86
Dialysis
Removal of waste products and excess electrolytes from blood
87
Diaphoresis
excessive or abnormal sweating without explanation from environment or activity level
88
Diplopia
double vision
89
Dissection
tear in wall of blood vessel allowing blood to flow between the layers of the wall and separating them
90
Dyscrasia
disease or abnormal condition
91
Dysentery
infection of intestines - severe, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain
92
Dysgeusia
altered sense of taste
93
Dyskinesia
abnormal involuntary movements
94
Dysmenorrhea
Discomfort or pain during menstrual period
95
Dyspepsia
indigestion
96
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
97
Dysphonia
voice impairment (hoarseness) or difficulty speaking
98
Dyspnea
difficult or labored breathing; SOB
99
Dystonia
involuntary movements and prolonged contractions of muscles that result in twisting body motions and abnormal body movements
100
Ectopic
abnormal place or position
101
Embolism
blood clot that travels
102
Empyema
collection of pus and fluid in body cavity
103
Encephalitis
inflammation of brain
104
Encephalopathy
brain disease, damage or malfunction resulting in AMS
105
Endocarditis
inflammation of heart valves or lining of heart chambers
106
Endometriosis
painful condition in which tissue that normals lines the uterus has grown outside the uterus
107
Endometrium
uterus
108
Enteral
intestinal
109
Enuresis
involuntary urination
110
Epistaxis
nose bleed
111
Eructation
burping or belching
112
Erythema
skin redness
113
Etiology
cause
114
Euphoria
elevated mood; happiness
115
Euthyroid
normal thyroid
116
Exacerbation
worsening
117
Excoriation
scraping or wearing off of skin resulting in skin abrasion
118
Extravasation
Fluid leaks outside of a vessel into surrounding tissue
119
Fibromyalgia
widespread pain - stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headache, emotional or mental distress
120
Fibrosis
scarring in connective tissue
121
Flatulence
excess gas in GI tract
122
Folliculitis
hair follicle inflammation
123
Galactorrhea
breast milk production in men or in women not breastfeeding
124
Gastritis
Inflammation, irritation or erosion of stomach lining
125
Gastroparesis
decreased nerve function of stomach muscles - inadequate digestion and delayed gastric emptying
126
Genotype
genes of an individual
127
Gingival bleeding
bleeding of gums
128
Gingival hyperplasia
overgrowth of gums
129
Glossitis
tongue inflammation
130
Gynecomastia
man boobs
131
Hallucination
Distortion of reality whereby a person hears, sees or feels something that is not there
132
Heimich Maneuver
Removing/dislodging airway obstruction
- Applied forceful abdominal thrusts in an inward and upward fashion
133
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood
134
Hematologic
blood disorders or relating to blood
135
Hematoma
collection of blood in organ or tissue
136
Hematuria
blood in urine
137
Hemolysis
destruction of RBC
138
Hemoptysis
Coughing or spitting up blood from respiratory tract
139
Hemorrhoid
enlarged or swollen blood vessel near anus or within rectum
140
Hemostasis
stopping of blood flow
141
Hepatotoxicity
liver damage
142
Hirsutism
male pattern hair growth in women
143
Hot Flashes
Episodes of flushing with sensation of warmth or heat in upper body and face
144
Hyperbilirubinemia
Increased bilirubin in blood; jaundice
145
Hyperhidrosis
excessive sweating
146
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperglycemic crisis - high blood glucose, severe dehydration and confusion
147
Hyperthermia
raised body temperature above normal
148
Hypertrichosis
excessive hair growth
149
Hypertrophy
enlargement of an organ or tissue due to increased cell size
150
Hypohidrosis
reduced sweat production
151
Oligohydrosis
reduced sweat production
152
incentive Spirometer
mechanical device facilitating deep breathing to help keep alveoli open and promote secretion removal
153
Intraarticular
into joint
154
Intracranial Hemorrhage
brain bleed
155
Intrathecal
introduced into or occurring in space between the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord
156
Ischemia
inadequate blood supply to organ or tissues
157
Jaundice
yellowing of skin and sclerae (whites of eyes)
158
Leukocytosis
Increased WBC count
159
Libido
sexual desire
160
Lymphadenopathy
swollen lymph node (glands)
161
Lyophilized
freeze-dried
162
Malaise
general feeling of discomfort or illness
163
Malignant
cancer spread
164
Medication Guide
Handout providing drug-specific information
165
Melasma
skin pigmentation, appearing as dark spots on cheeks of face
166
Menorrhagia
heavy menstrual bleeding
167
Metatarsophalangeal Joint
big toe joint
168
Morbidity
illness or disease
169
Mortality
death
170
Mucositis
Inflammation or ulceration of mucous membranes of GI tract
171
Myalgia
muscle pain
172
Mydriasis
pupil dilation
173
Myelosuppression
Decreased bone marrow activity - low WBC, low RBC, low platelets
174
Myocardial Infarction
Heart attack
175
Myocarditis
Inflammation of myocardium (heart muscle)
176
Myoclonus
involuntary and abnormal muscle contraction
177
Myopathy
Muscle weakness or muscle disease
178
Necrosis
cell or tissue death
179
Nephrolithiasis
kidney stone
180
Nephrotoxicity
kidney toxicity or damage
181
Neuropathy
nerve damage
182
Nosocomial
hospital origin
183
Nystagmus
repetitive, uncontrolled movement of eye
184
Orthopnea
SOB when lying flat
185
Orthostasis
drop in blood pressure happening soon after standing
186
Osteomalacia
bone softening
187
Osteomyelitis
infection inside bone
188
Osteoporosis
Low bone density resulting in porous/brittle bones
189
Otalgia
ear pain
190
Otorrhea
drainage of liquid in ear
191
Ototoxicity
ear damage
192
Palliative Care
care to improve QoL and provide symptom relief in serious, life-threatening or terminal illness
NOT CURATIVE
193
194
Pallor
pale skin color
195
Parasomnia
unusual, odd or dangerous behavior during sleep
196
Paresthesia
burning, prickling or pins and needles
197
Peak level
highest concentration of drug in blood stream
198
Pediculosis
lice infestation
199
Pegylation
addition of PEG to a molecule
200
Perinatal
time immediately before and after birth
201
Peripheral Line
Short catheter inserted into peripheral vein of hand or lower part of arm/foot to administer IV meds and fluids
202
Peripherally Inserted Central line
central line inserted peripherally and advanced until tip reaches a large vessel
203
Peripheral Neuropathy
peripheral weakness, numbness and pain from nerve damage
204
Peristalsis
wave like movements of GI tract muscles to help digest food and push contents forward
205
Pharmacodynamics
drug on body
206
Pharmacokinetics
body on drug (ADME)
207
Pharyngitis
inflammation of the pharynx resulting in sore throat
208
Phenotype
observable trait that is outward expression of genotype
209
Phlebitis
inflammation of vein
210
Photosensitivity
oversensitivity of skin to light
211
Pleural Effusion
Fluid between layers of pleura, the thin membranes that line the outside of the lungs
212
Pneumonia
Infection that inflames the lung(s)
213
Polydipsia
extreme thirst
214
Polyp
abnormal growth of tissue projecting from mucous membrane
215
Polyphagia
excessive hunger or increased appetite
216
Polyuria
increased urination
217
Porphyria
Group of disorders resulting from heme production abnormalities resulting in increased intermediate chemicals (porphyrins)
218
Postprandial
after meal
219
Preeclampsia
serious, potentially fatal complication of pregnancy - high blood pressure, protein in urine and peripheral edema
220
Preprandial
before meal
221
Priapism
prolonged, painful erection of penis
222
Prophylaxis
prevention
223
Pruritis
itchy skin
224
Pulse oximetry
measures oxygen saturation of blood
225
Purulent
pus
226
Pyelonephritis
type of UTI with kidney involvement
227
Pyrexia
fever
228
Rales
abnormal rattling or cracking of lungs
229
Rhonchi
continuous, deep rattling sounds (like snoring) of lungs
230
REMS
drug safety program required by FDA for meds with serious safety risks to ensure benefits outweigh risks
231
Retrograde Ejaculation
Semen enters bladder instead of exiting through penis during ejaculation
232
Rhabdomyolysis
skeletal muscle breaks down, releasing CPK, myoglobin and other muscle components into blood; can lead to kidney failure
233
Rhinitis
inflammation and swelling in nose
234
Rhinorrhea
runny nose; thin mucus nasal discharge
235
Rigidity
stiffness, inability to bend
236
Rigor
sudden feeling of cold with shivering accompanied by a rise in temperature
237
Scabies
infestation of skin by itchy, contagious mite (Sarcoptes scabiei)
238
Sepsis
life threatening immune response to infection resulting in tissue damage, organ dysfunction and death
239
Septicemia
severe bloodstream infection aka blood poisoning aka bacteremia
240
Shock
Medical emergency with high mortality - severe hypotension and hypoperfusion of vital organs
241
Sialorrhea
excessive salivation or drooling
242
Sinusitis
inflammation of sinuses
243
Somnambulism
sleep walking
244
Somnolence
sleepiness or drowsiness
245
Spirometry
Pulmonary function test measuring volume of air inhaled and exhaled and how fast
246
Steatorrhea
excess fat in feces due to decreased intestinal fat absorption
247
Steatosis
abnormal fat accumulation
248
Stenosis
narrowing of body space
249
SJS/TEN
severe systemic reaction - rash, blisters, peeling of skin and mucous membranes of mouth, airways, eyes and genitalia
250
Stomatitis
ulceration/inflammation of mouth
251
Striae
stretch marks
252
Stricture
abnormal narrowing of body passage
253
Subtherapeutic
lower than effective
254
Supratherapeutic
higher than safe (toxic)
255
Syncope
temporary loss of consciousness caused by drop of blood pressure and blood flow to brain (Fainting)
256
Synergy
combined effect greater than sum of parts (1+1=3)
257
Systemic Lupus Erythematous aka LUPUS
autoimmune condition causing inflammation and tissue damage to joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidney, heart
258
Tachycardia
HR > 100 BPM
259
Tachyphylaxis
diminished response to successive doses of drug
260
Tardive Dyskinesia
Uncontrollable, involuntary, repetitive movements of face and other parts of body
261
Teratogenic
causes birth defects if taken during pregnancy
262
Thrombocytopenia
low platelet count
263
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
serious blood disorder causing platelet clumping to form in small blood vessels throughout body leading to low platelets and subsequent bleeding under skin;
appears as purple bruises (purpura)
264
Thrush
yeast infection characterized by white patches in mouth/throat caused by Candida albicans
265
Tinnitus
ear ringing
266
TdP
life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia; changes in QRS complex and prolonged QT
267
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
temporary blockage of blood flow to brain - symptoms of stroke that resolve within short period of time "Mini-stroke"
268
Trough level
Lowest concentration of drug in bloodstream or concentration measured immediately before next dose
269
Unilateral
one side of body
270
Uremia
buildup of urea in blood
271
Urethra
tube that carries urine from bladder out of body
272
Ureter
connects kidney into bladder; delivers renal filtrate to be excreted as urine
273
Urolithiasis
Kidney, urethra, bladder or ureter stones
274
Urticaria
raised, itchy areas of skin - aka hives
275
Vesicant
drug that causes severe tissue damage or blistering
276
Xerophthalmia
extreme dryness of eyes (conjuctiva and cornea)
277
Xerostomia
Severe dry mouth caused by decreased saliva
