1. Chapter 06
Medical Terminology

2. 6:1 Using Medical Abbreviations
Shortened forms of words
Usually just letters
Health care workers are expected to recognize most common abbreviations
Agencies have their own approved lists of abbreviations—if not on list, do not use

3. 6:1 Using Medical Abbreviations (continued)
Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities’ Do Not Use list of abbreviations that cause confusion
IU or U
qd, qod, qid cc
Lack of leading zero

4. 6:1 Using Medical Abbreviations (continued)
Do Not Use list (continued)
Trailing zero
sc or SC or SQ
AD, AS, AU, OD, OS, OU
@ symbol
< or > symbols
Apothecary unit symbols

5. 6:1 Using Medical Abbreviations (continued)
Learn the abbreviations and symbols approved for use in your work facility
Use index cards to make flashcards
Use flashcards to study abbreviations
Some instructors may give weekly tests

6. 6:2 Interpreting Word Parts
Impossible to memorize all medical words relevant to your health care career
Determine word meaning by breaking word into parts
If word parts are known, the word can be broken down and interpreted

7. 6:2 Interpreting Word Parts (continued)
Prefix
Syllable or word placed at the beginning of a word; usually serves to further define word root
Suffix
Syllable or word placed at the end of word; usually describes what is happening to word root

8. 6:2 Interpreting Word Parts (continued)
Word Roots
Main words or parts to which prefixes and suffixes can be added
Prefixes and suffixes have set meanings
When prefixes, suffixes, and/or word roots are joined together, vowels are frequently added

9. 6:2 Interpreting Word Parts (continued)
Eponyms are medical terms named after people, places, or things
For prefixes, suffixes, and word roots for parts of the human body, refer to Figure 6-3 in Text
Refer to the list of common prefixes, suffixes, and word roots in Text