Can You Decode Medical Jargon Like a Pro?

Question 1

What Does "Stat" Mean When Seen On A Medical Chart?

Question 1

Which Term Refers To A Hospital-Acquired Infection?

Question 1

What Is A “Code Blue” In Most Hospital Settings?

Question 1

If A Doctor Notes “NPO After Midnight,” What Should The Patient Do?

Question 1

What Does “BP” Measure?

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When A Nurse Says “PRN,” What Does It Mean?

Question 1

What Does “Tachycardia” Refer To?

Question 1

What Type Of Medical Imaging Uses Magnetic Fields And Radio Waves?

Question 1

What Does “ICU” Stand For In A Hospital?

Question 1

If A Patient Is “Febrile,” What Symptom Are They Displaying?

Question 1

What Does “Dyspnea” Refer To In Medical Terminology?

Question 1

A “DNR” Order In A Patient’s File Means What?

Question 1

Which Organ Is Examined During A Colonoscopy?

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What Does “Edema” Describe In Clinical Terms?

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In A Medical Context, What Does “Benign” Indicate?

Question 1

What Is A “Lumbar Puncture” Commonly Called?

Question 1

What Does “Sutures” Refer To In A Hospital Setting?

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Which Device Is Used To Measure Oxygen Saturation?

Question 1

What Is The Function Of An “Epinephrine Auto-Injector”?

Question 1

What Does The Prefix “Hemo-” Refer To In Medical Terms?

Question 1

What Is The Primary Role Of A Phlebotomist?

Question 1

What Does The Abbreviation “DOB” Stand For In A Patient’s Chart?

Question 1

What Does “Anuria” Mean In Clinical Language?

Question 1

Which Abbreviation Means “Twice Daily” On A Prescription Label?

Question 1

What Part Of The Body Does “Gastric” Refer To?

Question 1

What Is The Term For The Uncontrolled Spread Of Cancer Cells?

Question 1

What Is A “Laceration”?

Question 1

What Does “Oral Administration” Mean In Medicine?

Question 1

What Is The Function Of An AED In Emergencies?

Question 1

What Condition Is Indicated By The Term “Hyperglycemia”?

Question 1

What Does “Hypoxia” Indicate In A Medical Emergency?

Question 1

What Is A Common Purpose Of A Foley Catheter?

Question 1

What Medical Condition Does A Glucometer Monitor?

Question 1

What Does The Term “Ischemia” Refer To?

Question 1

If A Patient Has “Bradycardia,” What Is Happening?

Question 1

What Does “Intubation” Involve?

Question 1

What Does “QID” Mean When Found On A Prescription?

Question 1

What Does The Medical Abbreviation “CNS” Refer To?

Question 1

What Is The Term For An Irregular Heartbeat?

Question 1

What Does “Hematemesis” Mean?

Question 1

What Is The Purpose Of An Otoscope During An Exam?

Question 1

What Does The Prefix “Neuro-” Refer To In Medicine?

Question 1

What Is The Main Function Of Platelets In The Bloodstream?

Question 1

What Does A “Biopsy” Involve?

Question 1

What Does “Cyanosis” Indicate In A Patient?

Question 1

What Does The Abbreviation “WBC” Refer To?

Question 1

What Is “Auscultation” In A Clinical Exam?

Question 1

What Type Of Drug Is Used To Reduce Fever?

Question 1

What Does “Rx” Commonly Represent In Medical Notes?

Question 1

What Does “Idiopathic” Mean When Describing A Disease?

Question 1

What Is The Term For Excessive Sweating Not Related To Heat Or Exercise?

Question 1

What Does The Abbreviation “DOBUT” Refer To In Critical Care?

Question 1

Which Term Describes A Drug That Blocks Pain Signals?

Question 1

What Is The Main Purpose Of A Triage Nurse In The ER?

Question 1

What Does “Hypothermia” Refer To Medically?

Question 1

What Is The Medical Term For A Nosebleed?

Question 1

What Does “QHS” Mean On A Prescription Label?

Question 1

What Is The Term For A Stroke Caused By Blood Clot Blockage?

Question 1

What Is A “Contusion”?

Question 1

Which Organ Is Primarily Affected By Cirrhosis?

Question 1

What Does “Orthopnea” Refer To In Medical Documentation?

Question 1

What Is The Role Of An Anesthesiologist In Surgery?

Question 1

What Does “Hx” Typically Mean In A Patient’s Record?

Question 1

What Is A Common Use For A Nebulizer?

Question 1

What Does The Medical Abbreviation “DVT” Stand For?

Question 1

What Condition Is Characterized By Frequent Urination, Thirst, And Elevated Blood Sugar?

Question 1

What Does “Informed Consent” Mean In Healthcare?

Question 1

What Does “PE” Most Often Refer To In A Diagnostic Setting?

Question 1

What Is A Common Symptom Of “Vertigo”?

Question 1

What Does “Prognosis” Refer To In Medical Terms?

Question 1

What Does “Emesis” Mean In Medical Terms?

Question 1

What Is The Purpose Of A “Sphygmomanometer”?

Question 1

What Does “Hematology” Specialize In?

Question 1

What Is “Crepitus” In A Clinical Exam?

Question 1

Which Vital Sign Reflects The Number Of Times A Person Breathes In A Minute?

Question 1

What Does “Contagious” Mean In Infection Control?

Question 1

What Does The Abbreviation “CXR” Usually Refer To?

Question 1

What Is The Primary Symptom Of “Jaundice”?

Question 1

What Is The Term For A Drug That Lowers Blood Pressure?

Question 1

What Does “UTI” Stand For In Medical Diagnosis?

Question 1

What Does The Term “Prophylaxis” Refer To In Healthcare?

Question 1

What Does “BP 120/80” Typically Represent?

Question 1

What Is The Main Use Of A Defibrillator?

Question 1

What Is The Term For A Temporary Disruption Of Blood Flow To The Brain?

Question 1

What Does The Abbreviation “CPR” Stand For?

Question 1

What Is The Purpose Of An Incentive Spirometer?

Question 1

What Does “Exacerbation” Mean In Medical Records?

Question 1

What Does “SOB” Commonly Mean In Medical Documentation?

Question 1

What Does “NKA” Indicate In A Patient Chart?

Question 1

What Is The Function Of An Anticoagulant Medication?

1

Steady

2

Eventually

3

Immediately

4

Status Update

Stat is derived from Latin "statim" and indicates a medical action must be performed immediately without delay.

1

Congenital

2

Iatrogenic

3

Autoimmune

4

Nosocomial

Nosocomial infections are those acquired during hospital stays, typically after 48 hours of admission and unrelated to the original condition.

1

Violent patient

2

Fire in the hospital

3

Cardiac or respiratory arrest

4

Missing patient

“Code Blue” alerts staff to a patient experiencing a life-threatening emergency, usually requiring CPR and rapid response.

1

Avoid visitors

2

Remain awake

3

Refrain from eating or drinking

4

Start antibiotics

NPO stands for "nil per os," Latin for nothing by mouth, meaning the patient must fast completely after midnight.

1

Bowel passage

2

Blood pressure

3

Breathing pattern

4

Brain performance

BP stands for blood pressure, indicating the force of circulating blood on vessel walls, vital for cardiovascular assessment.

1

Every hour

2

As needed

3

Never

4

At bedtime

PRN comes from the Latin “pro re nata” and is used to prescribe medication or treatments only when necessary.

1

Slow breathing

2

Low oxygen levels

3

Fast heart rate

4

Joint inflammation

Tachycardia refers to a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute, often signaling stress, illness, or heart issues.

1

Ultrasound

2

MRI

3

X-ray

4

CT scan

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, produces detailed images of organs and tissues using strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves.

1

Immediate Cardiac Unit

2

Intensive Counseling Unit

3

Intensive Care Unit

4

Infection Control Unit

The ICU is where critically ill patients receive constant monitoring, advanced life support, and specialized care from medical teams.

1

Confusion

2

Rash

3

Cough

4

Fever

Febrile means having or showing signs of a fever, often due to infection, inflammation, or other underlying medical conditions.

1

Chest pain

2

Shortness of breath

3

Loss of taste

4

Dizziness

Dyspnea is the clinical term for difficulty or labored breathing, commonly associated with asthma, heart failure, or lung disease.

1

Discharge next round

2

Delay new regimen

3

Do not resuscitate

4

Doctor not required

DNR instructs medical staff not to perform CPR if the patient's heart or breathing stops, often per patient wishes.

1

Stomach

2

Large intestine

3

Liver

4

Small intestine

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that inspects the large intestine using a flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera.

1

Swelling caused by fluid

2

Severe muscle cramps

3

Hair loss

4

Bleeding under the skin

Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues, often seen in the legs, feet, or lungs during illness.

1

Painful

2

Non-cancerous

3

Infectious

4

Rapid-growing

A benign growth or tumor is not cancerous, meaning it’s usually harmless and does not spread to other tissues.

1

Disc fusion

2

Vertebrae alignment

3

Spinal tap

4

Back surgery

A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, involves inserting a needle into the lower spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.

1

Crutches

2

Braces

3

Bandages

4

Stitches

Sutures are medical stitches used to close wounds or surgical incisions, allowing tissues to heal with minimal scarring.

1

Pulse oximeter

2

Thermometer

3

Spirometer

4

Blood pressure cuff

A pulse oximeter clips onto a finger and uses light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood.

1

Stops bleeding

2

Treats severe allergic reactions

3

Cleans wounds

4

Reduces fever

An epinephrine auto-injector delivers a quick dose of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring urgent care.

1

Liver

2

Skin

3

Blood

4

Muscle

The prefix “hemo-” comes from Greek and is used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to blood.

1

Draw blood

2

Prescribe medication

3

Perform ultrasounds

4

Administer anesthesia

A phlebotomist is trained to draw blood samples for testing, transfusions, research, or donations in clinical environments.

1

Date of biopsy

2

Date of birth

3

Depth of breathing

4

Doctor on board

DOB stands for date of birth, which helps confirm patient identity and determine age-specific medical treatments or risks.

1

Vision loss

2

Lack of urine output

3

Difficulty breathing

4

Elevated heart rate

Anuria is the absence or near absence of urine production, typically indicating severe kidney failure or urinary obstruction.

1

QD

2

TID

3

BID

4

QID

BID is derived from Latin “bis in die,” meaning the medication should be taken twice a day, 12 hours apart.

1

Stomach

2

Kidneys

3

Brain

4

Lungs

“Gastric” comes from the Greek “gaster,” referring to the stomach and is commonly used in digestive-related medical terminology.

1

Myocarditis

2

Sclerosis

3

Metastasis

4

Inflammation

Metastasis describes the spread of cancer from the primary site to distant organs, often indicating an advanced disease stage.

1

A deep cut or tear

2

A muscle spasm

3

A minor bruise

4

An allergic reaction

Lacerations are deep cuts or tears in the skin or tissue, often caused by trauma and requiring stitches or care.

1

Taken by mouth

2

Inserted rectally

3

Applied on skin

4

Inhaled through nose

Oral administration means the drug or supplement is taken by mouth, either as a pill, capsule, or liquid.

1

Clears airways

2

Restores heart rhythm

3

Reduces fever

4

Delivers oxygen

An automated external defibrillator (AED) analyzes heart rhythm and delivers electric shocks to treat sudden cardiac arrest effectively.

1

High blood sugar

2

Excessive sweating

3

Low blood pressure

4

Enlarged spleen

Hyperglycemia refers to elevated blood sugar levels, most commonly associated with diabetes and requiring insulin or medication regulation.

1

Extreme fatigue

2

Rapid blood loss

3

Low oxygen levels

4

Abnormal heartbeat

Hypoxia means insufficient oxygen in the tissues, which can cause confusion, cyanosis, or organ failure if left untreated.

1

Drain urine from the bladder

2

Deliver intravenous fluids

3

Measure blood pressure

4

Administer anesthesia

A Foley catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, commonly used for immobile patients.

1

Body temperature

2

Blood sugar levels

3

Blood pressure

4

Oxygen saturation

A glucometer is a handheld device that measures glucose levels in the blood, vital for managing diabetes.

1

Joint inflammation

2

Restricted blood flow

3

Skin rash

4

Severe coughing

Ischemia is a reduction in blood flow to a tissue or organ, which can result in damage or necrosis.

1

Abnormally slow heart rate

2

Inflamed airway

3

Severe back pain

4

Elevated blood sugar

Bradycardia refers to a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute, which can be normal or signal dysfunction.

1

Inserting a breathing tube

2

Removing a kidney stone

3

Delivering insulin

4

Applying a cast

Intubation is inserting a tube into a patient’s airway to assist breathing, especially during surgery or respiratory failure.

1

As needed

2

Once daily

3

Four times daily

4

Every other day

QID comes from the Latin “quater in die,” meaning the medication should be taken four times throughout the day.

1

Coronary node scan

2

Circulatory nutrient system

3

Central nervous system

4

Chronic nasal syndrome

The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating most body activities and responses.

1

Cardiomegaly

2

Arrhythmia

3

Arteriosclerosis

4

Pericarditis

Arrhythmia refers to any abnormal heart rhythm—whether too fast, too slow, or erratic—often requiring monitoring or medication.

1

Excessive urination

2

Low platelet count

3

Fainting spells

4

Vomiting blood

Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood, often due to ulcers, gastric bleeding, or damage to the esophagus or stomach.

1

To inspect ears

2

To assess vision

3

To take blood pressure

4

To monitor heartbeat

An otoscope is a handheld device doctors use to examine the ear canal and eardrum for infection or blockage.

1

Lungs

2

Nerves

3

Bones

4

Skin

The prefix “neuro-” relates to the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves throughout the body.

1

Nutrient delivery

2

Fighting infection

3

Oxygen transport

4

Clotting

Platelets are small cell fragments that gather at injury sites and help form clots to stop bleeding effectively.

1

Administering a vaccine

2

Sewing a wound shut

3

Removal of tissue for examination

4

Draining excess fluid

A biopsy is the extraction of a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis to diagnose or rule out disease.

1

Excessive sweating

2

Severe itching

3

High fever

4

Bluish discoloration from lack of oxygen

Cyanosis is a bluish tint in the skin or lips due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream or tissues.

1

Wrist bone cartilage

2

White blood cells

3

Wound binding compound

4

Water-based culture

WBC stands for white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and are a key part of the immune system.

1

Listening to internal body sounds

2

Checking visual response

3

Measuring height and weight

4

Testing skin elasticity

Auscultation is the practice of listening to internal body sounds, usually with a stethoscope, to assess heart or lung function.

1

Anesthetic

2

Antifungal

3

Antipyretic

4

Anticoagulant

Antipyretics are medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen that help reduce elevated body temperature during illness or infection.

1

Reaction

2

Reevaluation

3

Radiology

4

Prescription

“Rx” comes from the Latin “recipe” and is universally recognized as shorthand for a prescribed medication or treatment.

1

Unknown cause

2

Drug-induced

3

Hereditary

4

Contagious

An idiopathic condition has no identifiable origin, often making treatment challenging due to its unclear underlying mechanism.

1

Hyperhidrosis

2

Hypothermia

3

Hemoptysis

4

Tinnitus

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where a person sweats excessively, often due to overactive sweat glands or nerve dysfunction.

1

Dose-based ultrasound therapy

2

Downward oxygen baseline

3

Dobutamine infusion

4

Double-uterine torsion

“DOBUT” refers to Dobutamine, a medication used in ICU settings to treat heart failure by increasing cardiac output.

1

Antiseptic

2

Diuretic

3

Analgesic

4

Anxiolytic

Analgesics are medications designed to reduce or eliminate pain, ranging from mild (acetaminophen) to strong (opioids or NSAIDs).

1

Draw routine labs

2

Schedule surgeries

3

Assist with billing

4

Prioritize patient care based on severity

A triage nurse evaluates patients upon arrival and determines treatment urgency to ensure life-threatening conditions are handled first.

1

Abnormal reflexes

2

Sudden chest pain

3

Dangerously low body temperature

4

High blood sugar

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where body temperature drops below 95°F, slowing heart rate, breathing, and brain activity.

1

Epistaxis

2

Sinusitis

3

Rhinorrhea

4

Otitis

Epistaxis is the clinical term for a nosebleed, which can result from trauma, dryness, high blood pressure, or clotting issues.

1

Every night at bedtime

2

Quarterly health screen

3

Every hour sharp

4

Quick heart scan

QHS is derived from Latin “quaque hora somni,” directing patients to take medication every night before going to bed.

1

Transient ischemic attack

2

Myocardial infarction

3

Ischemic stroke

4

Hemorrhagic stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot obstructs blood flow to the brain, leading to tissue damage and neurologic symptoms.

1

Cyst

2

Dislocation

3

Bruise

4

Sore throat

A contusion is a medical term for a bruise, typically caused by blunt trauma that damages blood vessels under the skin.

1

Heart

2

Lungs

3

Kidneys

4

Liver

Cirrhosis is chronic liver scarring that results from long-term damage, often caused by hepatitis or excessive alcohol use.

1

Difficulty breathing while lying flat

2

Irregular heartbeat

3

Pain in joints

4

Hearing loss

Orthopnea is shortness of breath that worsens when lying down and is often linked to heart failure or fluid buildup.

1

Closes incisions

2

Assists in lab testing

3

Delivers oxygen

4

Manages pain and sedation

An anesthesiologist is responsible for safely sedating patients, managing pain, and monitoring vital signs throughout surgical procedures.

1

Hydration

2

History

3

Height

4

Hemoglobin

“Hx” is shorthand for history, referring to a patient’s past medical conditions, procedures, or family-related health information.

1

Deliver respiratory medication

2

Suture skin

3

Take blood pressure

4

Measure pupil size

A nebulizer turns liquid medication into a mist to help patients inhale it easily, especially during asthma or COPD attacks.

1

Digital vascular tension

2

Distended vocal tract

3

Delayed vision tracking

4

Deep vein thrombosis

DVT refers to a dangerous blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the leg, which can lead to embolism.

1

Diabetes mellitus

2

Hyperthyroidism

3

Bronchitis

4

Anemia

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease marked by high blood sugar levels, thirst, frequent urination, and sometimes weight changes.

1

Physician signs off independently

2

Patient agrees after understanding risks

3

Treatment is done without explanation

4

Family approval is obtained

Informed consent ensures a patient voluntarily agrees to a procedure after understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives thoroughly.

1

Pupil examination

2

Pelvic evaluation

3

Peripheral edema

4

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks arteries in the lungs, causing chest pain or collapse.

1

Spinning sensation

2

Skin rash

3

Chest pain

4

Swollen glands

Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning, often caused by inner ear or vestibular disorders.

1

Exact disease cause

2

Wound location

3

Expected outcome of a disease

4

How medication is made

Prognosis is a prediction of how a disease is likely to progress and whether recovery or complications are expected.

1

Numbness

2

Vomiting

3

Seizure

4

Swelling

Emesis is the clinical term for vomiting, often documented as a symptom in cases of infection, nausea, or illness.

1

View the retina

2

Test blood sugar

3

Check reflexes

4

Measure blood pressure

A sphygmomanometer is the instrument used to measure blood pressure, typically involving an inflatable cuff and a gauge.

1

Respiratory function

2

Mental health conditions

3

Skin diseases

4

Study of blood and its disorders

Hematology focuses on blood, blood-forming organs, and disorders like anemia, leukemia, clotting problems, and immune blood conditions.

1

Crackling sound in joints or tissues

2

A swelling on the eyelid

3

A hard skin lesion

4

Sharp abdominal pain

Crepitus refers to a crackling or popping sensation felt under the skin or in joints, often from air or cartilage wear.

1

Blood pressure

2

Respiratory rate

3

Oxygen saturation

4

Pulse

Respiratory rate is a key vital sign measuring breaths per minute, with abnormal rates indicating distress or metabolic imbalance.

1

Treated with antibiotics

2

Found only in hospital

3

Easily spread from person to person

4

Visible on the skin

A contagious disease can be transmitted from one individual to another through direct contact, air, or contaminated surfaces.

1

Cardiac reflex

2

Chest X-ray

3

Cervical rotation

4

Colorectal examination

CXR stands for chest X-ray, a common imaging test used to diagnose lung conditions, infections, or heart-related issues.

1

Sharp chest pain

2

Tingling in limbs

3

Frequent hiccups

4

Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Jaundice is caused by excess bilirubin and is usually a sign of liver dysfunction, hepatitis, or bile duct obstruction.

1

Steroid

2

Sedative

3

Antihypertensive

4

Expectorant

Antihypertensives are medications designed to reduce elevated blood pressure and prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

1

Ultrasound tracking index

2

Unstable temperature index

3

Urinary tract infection

4

Upper thoracic inflammation

UTI refers to an infection in any part of the urinary system, commonly involving the bladder or urethra.

1

Preventative treatment

2

Nutritional support

3

Emergency surgery

4

Pain relief

Prophylaxis means treatment given to prevent disease, such as vaccines, antibiotics before surgery, or dental cleanings to avoid infection.

1

Normal blood pressure

2

Lung capacity

3

Heart murmur

4

High fever

A reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered the standard normal blood pressure for a healthy adult under normal conditions.

1

Measure oxygen saturation

2

Assess kidney function

3

Restore heart rhythm

4

Check vision

A defibrillator delivers an electric shock to the heart to stop arrhythmia and allow a normal rhythm to resume.

1

Transient ischemic attack

2

Hemorrhage

3

Encephalitis

4

Seizure

A transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke, causes stroke-like symptoms but lasts a short time without permanent brain damage.

1

Central pulse rhythm

2

Circulatory pulse regulation

3

Chronic pulmonary relapse

4

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPR is an emergency life-saving procedure involving chest compressions and rescue breathing to restore blood circulation and oxygen delivery.

1

Check pupil response

2

Test hearing ability

3

Encourage deep breathing

4

Administer medication

An incentive spirometer helps patients take deep breaths to prevent lung complications like pneumonia after surgery or illness.

1

Cure achieved

2

New patient admission

3

Worsening of a condition

4

Change in physician

Exacerbation refers to the flare-up or worsening of symptoms in a chronic condition like asthma, COPD, or arthritis.

1

Sudden onset burn

2

Shortness of breath

3

Spasm of bladder

4

Swelling of brain

SOB stands for shortness of breath, a common symptom requiring immediate evaluation in cardiac, pulmonary, or anxiety-related conditions.

1

No known allergies

2

Nasal cavity abnormality

3

Non-ketotic acidemia

4

Needs kidney assessment

NKA means the patient has no known allergies, important information when prescribing medications or administering treatments.

1

Kills bacteria

2

Enhances memory

3

Prevents blood clots

4

Lowers blood sugar

Anticoagulants thin the blood to prevent clot formation, commonly prescribed for stroke, deep vein thrombosis, or atrial fibrillation patients.

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Think you speak fluent hospital? From acronyms to anatomy, this quiz will test your knowledge of medical lingo used by doctors and nurses every day. Let’s see if you can truly decode the jargon like a pro!

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