Medical Terminology for EMTs

Introduction

• Presenter: Sean Holt from RC Health Services
• Chapter: 5 - Medical Terminology
• Importance: EMTs must have a strong understanding of medical terminology for effective communication and documentation.

Anatomy of a Medical Term

• Medical Terms Components:
  • Word Root: Foundation of the word.
  • Prefix: Appears before the word root; describes location and intensity.
  • Suffix: Occurs after the word root; indicates procedure, condition, or disease.
  • Combining Vowels: Vowels that join word roots to other components (mostly 'o', sometimes 'i' or 'e').
• Accurate Spelling:
  • Essential as similar sounding words can have different meanings (e.g., "facies" vs. "phasia").

Understanding Terms

• Word Roots:
  • Main part/stem conveying essential meaning (often indicates a body part).
  • Combining prefix/suffix changes term meaning (example: "cardiopulmonary").
• Prefixes:
  • Describe location, intensity, and often provide specific meaning.
• Suffixes:
  • Usually indicate a procedure, condition, disease, or part of speech.

Word Building and Rules

• Rules:
  • Prefix: Always at the beginning (not always present).
  • Suffix: Always at the end.
  • Combining Vowel: Used when suffix begins with a consonant or between word roots.

Plural Endings

• Rules for Singular to Plural:
  • "-a" to "-ae" (e.g., vertebra to vertebrae).
  • "-is" to "-es" (e.g., diagnosis to diagnoses).
  • "-ex" or "-ix" to "-ices" (e.g., apex to apices).
  • "-on" or "-um" to "-a" (e.g., ganglion to ganglia).
  • "-us" to "-i" (e.g., bronchus to bronchi).

Special Word Parts

• Numbers:
  • Prefixes for numbers (e.g., uni, bi, multi).
• Colors:
  • Prefixes like cyan-, leuko-, erythro-.
• Positions and Directions:
  • Prefixes for direction/location (e.g., ab-, ad-, circum-).

Directional Terms

• Terms:
  • Superior/inferior, lateral/medial, proximal/distal, superficial/deep.
  • Ventral/dorsal: Front (anterior) and back (posterior) sides.
  • Palmar/plantar: Front of hand/sole of foot.
• Movement:
  • Flexion (bending), extension (straightening), adduction (toward midline), abduction (away from midline).

Anatomic Positions

• Positions:
  • Prone: Lying face down.
  • Supine: Lying face up.
  • Fowler's Position: Semi-reclining with head elevated (45° semi, 90° high).

Breaking Down Terms

• Steps:
  • Start with the suffix, then prefix, then word root.
  • Examples: Nephropathy, dysuria, hyperemesis, analgesic.

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols

• Importance:
  • Faster communication but must use commonly understood abbreviations.
  • Follow guidelines from authorities like the Joint Commission and Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

Sample Questions and Answers

1. Word Root: Essential meaning of medical term.
2. Prefixes: Can indicate color, number, position.
3. Plural of Bronchus: Bronchi.
4. Superior Relationship: Closer to the head.
5. Adduction: Movement toward midline.
6. Medial: Closer to the midline.
7. Ventral: On the belly side (anterior).
8. Semi-Fowler Position: Sitting at a 45° angle.
9. Plantar Surface: Sole of the foot.
10. Using Abbreviations: Use only those accepted and understood in your area.

Conclusion

• Presenter: Sean Holt
• Focus: Proper use of medical terminology is crucial in EMT communication and documentation.