Title: Use medical terminology and abbreviations common in therapeutic communication.
Course: Physical/Occupational Therapy I (14060-I) > Section: Using Effective Communication in the Rehabilitative Environment

Use of medical terminology should be reflected in both written and oral communication and should include using

- terms such as prone, supine, inflammation, hypertonic vs. hypotonic
- abbreviations according to state or facility requirements (e.g., PRN, LE, UE, HPI, bid).

Use of medical terminology should also include

- describing how word parts are combined to form medical terms
- identifying common medical prefixes, roots, and suffixes and their meanings
- dividing words into prefix, root, and suffix to determine meaning.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to explain medical terms to the lay person?
- When is it appropriate to use medical terminology?
- Why are abbreviations, symbols, and acronyms used in health care?