NHA CCMA

Medical terminology provides the standardized language for healthcare communication. Mastery of word construction, abbreviations, and scientific principles enables accurate documentation, effective communication, and proper understanding of medical concepts.

Medical terms typically consist of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The root carries the fundamental meaning, usually referring to a body part or system. Prefixes modify the root by indicating location, time, number, or status. Suffixes indicate procedures, conditions, or diseases.

Common roots include cardi (heart), hepat (liver), nephr (kidney), neur (nerve), oste (bone), derm (skin), gastr (stomach), pulmon (lung), and hem/hemat (blood). Combining vowels, usually "o," connect roots to suffixes or other roots when the suffix begins with a consonant.

Prefixes indicating location include epi (above), hypo (below), endo (within), peri (around), retro (behind), and trans (across). Numerical prefixes include uni (one), bi (two), tri (three), quad (four), and poly (many). Prefixes indicating status include a/an (without), anti (against), dys (difficult or painful), hyper (excessive), and hypo (deficient).

Common suffixes include -itis (inflammation), -ectomy (surgical removal), -otomy (incision into), -ostomy (creating an opening), -ology (study of), -pathy (disease), -plasty (surgical repair), -scopy (visual examination), -gram (record), and -algia (pain).

Constructing the term "electrocardiogram" demonstrates word building: electr (electrical) + cardi (heart) + gram (record), meaning a record of the electrical activity of the heart.

Anatomical position serves as the reference point for describing body locations. In anatomical position, the body stands erect, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward. All directional terms assume this position.

Directional terms include anterior (front) and posterior (back), superior (above) and inferior (below), medial (toward midline) and lateral (away from midline), proximal (closer to origin) and distal (farther from origin), and superficial (near surface) and deep (away from surface).

Body planes divide the body for imaging and anatomical reference. The sagittal plane divides left and right, the frontal (coronal) plane divides front and back, and the transverse (horizontal) plane divides upper and lower portions.

Body cavities contain and protect internal organs. The dorsal cavity includes the cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord). The ventral cavity includes the thoracic cavity (heart and lungs), abdominal cavity (digestive organs), and pelvic cavity (reproductive and excretory organs). The abdominal region is further divided into nine regions or four quadrants for clinical reference.

Medical abbreviations increase documentation efficiency but require standardization to prevent errors. The Joint Commission maintains a "Do Not Use" list of dangerous abbreviations that can cause misinterpretation.

Common acceptable abbreviations include vital sign terms (BP for blood pressure, HR for heart rate, RR for respiratory rate, T for temperature), route abbreviations (PO for by mouth, IM for intramuscular, IV for intravenous, SC or SubQ for subcutaneous), and frequency terms (BID for twice daily, TID for three times daily, PRN for as needed, STAT for immediately).

Prohibited abbreviations include U (spell out "units"), IU (spell out "international units"), QD and QOD (spell out "daily" and "every other day"), trailing zeros (write 1 mg not 1.0 mg), and lack of leading zeros (write 0.5 mg not .5 mg).

Understanding basic chemistry supports comprehension of laboratory values, medication actions, and physiological processes. Matter consists of atoms, the smallest units retaining elemental properties. Atoms combine to form molecules. Elements are pure substances containing only one type of atom, while compounds contain two or more elements chemically bonded.

The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline (basic). Normal blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, a slightly alkaline state. Deviations indicate acidosis or alkalosis, which can be life-threatening.

Electrolytes are minerals carrying electrical charges essential for cellular function. Sodium regulates fluid balance and nerve transmission. Potassium affects cardiac rhythm and muscle contraction. Calcium supports bone health, muscle function, and blood clotting. Chloride maintains fluid balance and acid-base equilibrium. Abnormal electrolyte levels cause significant clinical symptoms and require prompt attention.

Microbiology studies microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Understanding pathogenic organisms supports infection control practices and patient education.

Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic organisms classified by shape: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral). Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on cell wall composition, guiding antibiotic selection. Gram-positive bacteria retain violet stain, while gram-negative bacteria appear pink after counterstaining.

Viruses are non-living particles requiring host cells to replicate. They consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Antiviral medications and vaccines provide prevention and treatment for viral infections.

Fungi include yeasts and molds. Common fungal infections include candidiasis (yeast infections), tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot), and onychomycosis (nail fungus). Antifungal medications treat these infections.

Parasites live on or in host organisms, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. Examples include protozoa (giardia, malaria), helminths (roundworms, tapeworms), and ectoparasites (lice, scabies). Antiparasitic medications and hygiene measures address parasitic infections.