Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of a combining form in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

It is the foundation of a medical word, usually indicating the main meaning.

Question 2

A nurse is reviewing a patient's 'mammogram.' Based on your knowledge of medical word parts, what does the suffix in 'mammogram' indicate?

Accepted Answer

A picture or record of the breast

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct plural form of the medical noun 'artery'?

Accepted Answer

arteries

Question 4

In the medical term 'pericardial,' what does the prefix 'peri-' mean?

Accepted Answer

Around

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of the five skills of medical language communication?

Accepted Answer

Drawing medical diagrams

Question 6

A physician specializes in 'cardiology.' Using your knowledge of word parts, what does 'cardiology' mean?

Accepted Answer

Study of the heart

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why two different combining forms can have the same meaning in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

Both Latin and Greek have contributed different names for the same body structures.

Question 8

What is the correct order for defining a medical word with a prefix, combining form, and suffix?

Accepted Answer

Suffix, prefix, combining form

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a suffix that indicates a medical specialty or specialist?

Accepted Answer

-ist

Question 10

A medical student is asked to build a word meaning 'pertaining to within the heart.' Which is the correct construction?

Accepted Answer

intra-cardi/o-ac

Question 11

Which of the following statements about suffixes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A suffix modifies or clarifies the meaning of the combining form.

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct way to write the combining form for 'heart'?

Accepted Answer

cardi/o-

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with 'arthritis.' Based on the suffix, what does this term indicate?

Accepted Answer

A disease of the joints

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a prefix that indicates location or direction?

Accepted Answer

intra-

Question 15

A healthcare worker needs to spell the plural of 'ovary.' Which is correct?

Accepted Answer

ovaries

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of building a medical word when the suffix begins with a vowel?

Accepted Answer

The combining vowel is dropped.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a real-world application of medical language skills?

Accepted Answer

A paramedic describing a patient's condition to an emergency department.

Question 18

What is the study of word origins called, and why is it important in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

Etymology; because many medical words are derived from Greek and Latin.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a prefix in medical terminology?

Accepted Answer

It is always present in every medical word.

Question 20

A physical therapist is referred to as a 'therapist.' What does the suffix '-ist' indicate in this context?

Accepted Answer

A person who specializes in

Introduction to Medical Terminology: Structure and Meaning

Study Guide - Practice Questions