3.1 Basic Medical Terminology for Nutritionists

Medical terminology is crucial for nutritionists to communicate effectively in healthcare. It's like learning a new language, with prefixes, suffixes, and root words forming the building blocks. Understanding these components helps decode complex terms and grasp their meanings.

Knowing medical terminology extends beyond just words. It encompasses various branches of medicine, diagnostic processes, and disease characteristics. This knowledge empowers nutritionists to comprehend medical records, collaborate with healthcare teams, and provide targeted nutritional care for patients.

Word Components

Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words in Medical Terminology

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Top images from around the web for Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words in Medical Terminology

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• Prefixes attach to the beginning of words, modifying their meaning
  • Common medical prefixes include hyper- (excessive), hypo- (below normal), and endo- (within)
• Suffixes attach to the end of words, often indicating a procedure, condition, or disorder
  • Frequently used medical suffixes are -itis (inflammation), -osis (abnormal condition), and -ectomy (surgical removal)
• Root words form the core of medical terms, usually describing a body part or function
  • Examples of root words include cardi- (heart), gastr- (stomach), and nephr- (kidney)
• Combining vowels often link root words to suffixes for easier pronunciation
  • The letter "o" commonly serves as a combining vowel (gastroenterology)
• Understanding these components allows healthcare professionals to decipher complex medical terminology
  • Analyzing word parts helps in breaking down unfamiliar terms (electrocardiogram = electro-cardi-o-gram)

Branches of Medicine

Fundamental Medical Sciences

• Anatomy focuses on the structure and organization of body parts
  • Includes gross anatomy (visible to the naked eye) and microscopic anatomy (cellular level)
• Physiology studies the functions and processes of living organisms
  • Examines how body systems work together to maintain homeostasis
• Pathology investigates diseases and their effects on body tissues
  • Involves both clinical pathology (laboratory tests) and anatomical pathology (tissue examination)

Specialized Medical Fields

• Cardiology concentrates on heart-related disorders and treatments
• Neurology deals with the nervous system and associated conditions
• Oncology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
• Pediatrics focuses on medical care for infants, children, and adolescents
• Geriatrics addresses health issues specific to elderly patients

Medical Evaluation

Diagnostic Process and Disease Identification

• Diagnosis involves identifying a disease or condition based on signs, symptoms, and test results
  • Requires careful analysis of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests
• Prognosis predicts the likely course and outcome of a disease
  • Considers factors such as disease severity, patient age, and overall health status
• Etiology refers to the cause or origin of a disease or condition
  • Can involve genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both

Clinical Manifestations and Patient Assessment

• Symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient
  • Include sensations like pain, nausea, or fatigue
• Signs are objective, observable indications of a medical condition
  • Can be measured or observed by healthcare professionals (elevated blood pressure, skin rash)
• Differential diagnosis considers multiple possible conditions based on presenting symptoms and signs
  • Helps narrow down potential diagnoses through a process of elimination

Disease Characteristics

Disease Classification and Duration

• Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more concurrent medical conditions in a patient
  • Complicates treatment plans and can affect overall health outcomes
• Acute conditions develop suddenly and typically last for a short duration
  • Often require immediate medical attention (heart attack, appendicitis)
• Chronic diseases persist for an extended period, usually lasting three months or more
  • May require ongoing management and lifestyle modifications (diabetes, hypertension)

Disease Origins and Manifestations

• Idiopathic diseases have no known cause or origin
  • Diagnosis often involves ruling out other potential causes
• Congenital conditions are present at birth, resulting from genetic or developmental factors
  • May be inherited or occur due to environmental influences during pregnancy
• Iatrogenic conditions result from medical treatment or procedures
  • Can be unintended consequences of interventions (medication side effects, surgical complications)
• Nosocomial infections are acquired during hospital stays or medical procedures
  • Emphasize the importance of infection control measures in healthcare settings