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?

Question 1

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?

Question 1

What Does “Edema” Describe In Clinical Terms?

Question 1

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?

Question 1

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

Immediately

2

Eventually

3

Status Update

4

Steady

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

1

Congenital

2

Nosocomial

3

Iatrogenic

4

Autoimmune

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

1

Fire in the hospital

2

Violent patient

3

Missing patient

4

Cardiac or respiratory arrest

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

1

Avoid visitors

2

Start antibiotics

3

Refrain from eating or drinking

4

Remain awake

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

1

Breathing pattern

2

Brain performance

3

Bowel passage

4

Blood pressure

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

1

Never

2

Every hour

3

As needed

4

At bedtime

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

1

Fast heart rate

2

Slow breathing

3

Low oxygen levels

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

X-ray

3

MRI

4

CT scan

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

1

Intensive Counseling Unit

2

Immediate Cardiac Unit

3

Infection Control Unit

4

Intensive Care Unit

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

1

Fever

2

Confusion

3

Rash

4

Cough

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

1

Loss of taste

2

Shortness of breath

3

Chest pain

4

Dizziness

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

1

Do not resuscitate

2

Doctor not required

3

Discharge next round

4

Delay new regimen

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

1

Small intestine

2

Stomach

3

Large intestine

4

Liver

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

1

Bleeding under the skin

2

Hair loss

3

Swelling caused by fluid

4

Severe muscle cramps

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

1

Rapid-growing

2

Infectious

3

Non-cancerous

4

Painful

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

1

Spinal tap

2

Vertebrae alignment

3

Disc fusion

4

Back surgery

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

1

Bandages

2

Crutches

3

Stitches

4

Braces

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

1

Pulse oximeter

2

Thermometer

3

Blood pressure cuff

4

Spirometer

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

1

Stops bleeding

2

Cleans wounds

3

Reduces fever

4

Treats severe allergic reactions

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

1

Skin

2

Liver

3

Muscle

4

Blood

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

1

Prescribe medication

2

Perform ultrasounds

3

Draw blood

4

Administer anesthesia

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

1

Depth of breathing

2

Date of biopsy

3

Date of birth

4

Doctor on board

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

1

Difficulty breathing

2

Elevated heart rate

3

Vision loss

4

Lack of urine output

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

1

TID

2

QID

3

BID

4

QD

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

1

Lungs

2

Kidneys

3

Brain

4

Stomach

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

1

Inflammation

2

Sclerosis

3

Metastasis

4

Myocarditis

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

An allergic reaction

4

A minor bruise

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

Inhaled through nose

3

Applied on skin

4

Inserted rectally

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

1

Clears airways

2

Reduces fever

3

Restores heart rhythm

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

Enlarged spleen

3

Excessive sweating

4

Low blood pressure

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

1

Low oxygen levels

2

Rapid blood loss

3

Extreme fatigue

4

Abnormal heartbeat

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

1

Measure blood pressure

2

Deliver intravenous fluids

3

Drain urine from the bladder

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

Restricted blood flow

2

Joint inflammation

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

Applying a cast

3

Delivering insulin

4

Removing a kidney stone

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

1

Four times daily

2

Every other day

3

As needed

4

Once daily

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

1

Coronary node scan

2

Chronic nasal syndrome

3

Central nervous system

4

Circulatory nutrient system

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

1

Arrhythmia

2

Arteriosclerosis

3

Cardiomegaly

4

Pericarditis

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

1

Low platelet count

2

Fainting spells

3

Vomiting blood

4

Excessive urination

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 monitor heartbeat

4

To take blood pressure

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

1

Bones

2

Skin

3

Lungs

4

Nerves

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

1

Fighting infection

2

Nutrient delivery

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

Removal of tissue for examination

3

Draining excess fluid

4

Sewing a wound shut

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

1

High fever

2

Severe itching

3

Bluish discoloration from lack of oxygen

4

Excessive sweating

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

1

White blood cells

2

Wrist bone cartilage

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

Measuring height and weight

2

Listening to internal body sounds

3

Checking visual response

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

Anticoagulant

2

Antifungal

3

Antipyretic

4

Anesthetic

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

1

Prescription

2

Reevaluation

3

Reaction

4

Radiology

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

1

Contagious

2

Unknown cause

3

Drug-induced

4

Hereditary

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

1

Hemoptysis

2

Hyperhidrosis

3

Tinnitus

4

Hypothermia

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

1

Dobutamine infusion

2

Dose-based ultrasound therapy

3

Downward oxygen baseline

4

Double-uterine torsion

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

1

Analgesic

2

Diuretic

3

Anxiolytic

4

Antiseptic

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

1

Prioritize patient care based on severity

2

Schedule surgeries

3

Draw routine labs

4

Assist with billing

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

1

Dangerously low body temperature

2

High blood sugar

3

Sudden chest pain

4

Abnormal reflexes

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

1

Otitis

2

Sinusitis

3

Rhinorrhea

4

Epistaxis

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

1

Quick heart scan

2

Quarterly health screen

3

Every night at bedtime

4

Every hour sharp

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

1

Transient ischemic attack

2

Ischemic stroke

3

Myocardial infarction

4

Hemorrhagic stroke

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

1

Bruise

2

Cyst

3

Dislocation

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

Liver

2

Heart

3

Lungs

4

Kidneys

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

Hearing loss

3

Pain in joints

4

Irregular heartbeat

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

1

Manages pain and sedation

2

Closes incisions

3

Assists in lab testing

4

Delivers oxygen

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

1

Hydration

2

Height

3

History

4

Hemoglobin

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

1

Measure pupil size

2

Suture skin

3

Take blood pressure

4

Deliver respiratory medication

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

1

Delayed vision tracking

2

Deep vein thrombosis

3

Digital vascular tension

4

Distended vocal tract

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

1

Bronchitis

2

Anemia

3

Diabetes mellitus

4

Hyperthyroidism

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

1

Treatment is done without explanation

2

Physician signs off independently

3

Family approval is obtained

4

Patient agrees after understanding risks

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

1

Peripheral edema

2

Pupil examination

3

Pelvic evaluation

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

Chest pain

2

Swollen glands

3

Spinning sensation

4

Skin rash

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

1

Wound location

2

Expected outcome of a disease

3

How medication is made

4

Exact disease cause

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

1

Numbness

2

Seizure

3

Vomiting

4

Swelling

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

1

Test blood sugar

2

Check reflexes

3

View the retina

4

Measure blood pressure

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

1

Mental health conditions

2

Respiratory function

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

Sharp abdominal pain

2

Crackling sound in joints or tissues

3

A swelling on the eyelid

4

A hard skin lesion

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

1

Oxygen saturation

2

Blood pressure

3

Pulse

4

Respiratory rate

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

1

Easily spread from person to person

2

Found only in hospital

3

Treated with antibiotics

4

Visible on the skin

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

1

Colorectal examination

2

Cardiac reflex

3

Cervical rotation

4

Chest X-ray

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

1

Frequent hiccups

2

Tingling in limbs

3

Sharp chest pain

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

Antihypertensive

3

Sedative

4

Expectorant

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

1

Ultrasound tracking index

2

Upper thoracic inflammation

3

Unstable temperature index

4

Urinary tract infection

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

1

Pain relief

2

Emergency surgery

3

Preventative treatment

4

Nutritional support

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

1

Heart murmur

2

High fever

3

Normal blood pressure

4

Lung capacity

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

1

Check vision

2

Assess kidney function

3

Measure oxygen saturation

4

Restore heart rhythm

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

1

Encephalitis

2

Seizure

3

Transient ischemic attack

4

Hemorrhage

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

1

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

2

Central pulse rhythm

3

Circulatory pulse regulation

4

Chronic pulmonary relapse

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

Encourage deep breathing

3

Administer medication

4

Test hearing ability

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

1

New patient admission

2

Worsening of a condition

3

Cure achieved

4

Change in physician

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

1

Swelling of brain

2

Sudden onset burn

3

Shortness of breath

4

Spasm of bladder

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

1

No known allergies

2

Needs kidney assessment

3

Nasal cavity abnormality

4

Non-ketotic acidemia

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

1

Prevents blood clots

2

Enhances memory

3

Kills bacteria

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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