Medical Terminology Practice Test 1
Medical Terminology NCLEX Practice Test
Medical Terminology is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Medical Terminology. This section builds precise healthcare vocabulary for accurate communication, documentation, and education. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 1st part of the Medical Terminology series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
Continue Learning
In the Medical Terminology Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Medical Terminology Practice Test 1
Whitish vaginal discharge is?
- Leukoplakia
- Leucorrhoea
- Menorrhea
Explanation: Answer reason: Leucorrhoea is the term for whitish vaginal discharge; leukoplakia refers to white mucosal patches; and menorrhoea relates to menstrual flow.
What is the term for excessive saliva production, commonly known as drooling?
- Sialorrhea
- Xerostomia
- Halitosis
- Glossitis
Explanation: Answer reason: Excessive saliva production is called sialorrhea (ptyalism); among the choices, only "drool" corresponds to drooling, whereas xerostomia is dry mouth, halitosis is bad breath, and glossitis is tongue inflammation.
What is the term for inflammation of the ovary?
- Oophoritis
- Oophorectomy
- Hydrocele
- salpingitis
Explanation: Answer reason: Oophoritis means inflammation of the ovary. Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of an ovary, hydrocoele is a fluid collection around the testis, and salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tube.
What organ is removed during a cholecystectomy?
- Gallbladder
- Appendix
- Spleen
- Kidney
Explanation: Answer reason: Cholecystectomy literally means the surgical removal (-ectomy) of the gallbladder (cholecyst).
What is the medical term for loss of memory?
- Anaphylaxis
- Amnesia
- Aphasia
- Ataxia
Explanation: Answer reason: Amnesia is the medical term for loss of memory. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction; aphasia is a language impairment; and ataxia is impaired coordination.
Which term refers to hair loss as a type of loss in health and disease?
- Amnesia
- Anorexia
- Alopecia
- Hypoesthesia
Explanation: Answer reason: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Amnesia is memory loss, anorexia is loss of appetite, and hypoesthesia is decreased sensation.
Colpitis is the inflammation of which anatomical part?
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Ovary
Explanation: Answer reason: The term colpitis means inflammation of the vagina; colp- refers to the vagina and -itis denotes inflammation.
What is the medical term for bleeding from the nose?
- Perforation of the nasal septum
- Displacement of the nasal septum
- Epistaxis
- None of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed; the other options describe structural septal problems.
Loss of appetite is termed?
- Aphagia
- Polyphagia
- Anorexia
- Oligophagia
Explanation: Answer reason: Anorexia is the medical term for loss of appetite; aphagia is the inability to swallow, polyphagia indicates an increased appetite, and oligophagia means eating little.
What is the meaning of the prefix 'costo-'?
- Colon
- Rib
- Cartilage
- Common bile duct
Explanation: Answer reason: The combining form costo- denotes the ribs, as in costal margin or costochondritis.
What is the full form of CPR?
- Cardiopulmonary relapse
- Cardiopulmonary restriction
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Chronic pulmonary release
Explanation: Answer reason: CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the standard term for emergency life support efforts.
The study of the heart is called ___?
- Oncology
- Biology
- Zoology
- Cardiology
Explanation: Answer reason: Cardiology derives from cardio- (heart) and -logy (study). Oncology is the study of cancer, biology is the study of life, and zoology is the study of animals.
What is the correct term for bleeding in the ear?
- Epistaxis
- Hemolysis
- Hematoma
- Otorrhagia
Explanation: Answer reason: Otorrhagia means discharge from the ear and can include blood; the other options refer to a nosebleed (epistaxis), red blood cell destruction (hemolysis), or a localized blood collection (hematoma).
The termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo before viability is?
- Abortion
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Molar pregnancy
Explanation: Answer reason: Abortion is the general medical term for termination of pregnancy before fetal viability, whether spontaneous or induced. Ectopic and molar pregnancies are specific pathological conditions; miscarriage refers to spontaneous abortion only.
What is laparoscopy?
- Visualization of abdominal organs through an opening in the abdominal wall
- Stomach visualization
- Visualization of pelvic organs through the vaginal wall
- Respiratory tract visualization
Explanation: Answer reason: Laparoscopy is the endoscopic visualization of the abdominal cavity through small incisions in the abdominal wall. The other options describe gastroscopy, culdoscopy, and bronchoscopy.
What is the term for the premature exit of the products of conception?
- Abortion.
- Miscarriage.
- Chemical pregnancy.
- Stillbirth.
Explanation: Answer reason: Abortion is the general term for the premature expulsion of the products of conception before fetal viability. Miscarriage refers specifically to spontaneous abortion; stillbirth is fetal death at or after the threshold of viability; chemical pregnancy is a very early loss detectable only by biochemical testing.
The term _____ refers to the same side of the body?
- Anterior
- Contralateral
- Ipsilateral
- Supine
- Prone
Explanation: Answer reason: Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body; contralateral means on the opposite side; anterior, supine, and prone describe position or direction.
Difficulty in micturition is known as what?
- Polyuria
- Dysuria
- Oliguria
- Haematuria
Explanation: Answer reason: Dysuria specifically means painful or difficult urination. Polyuria is excessive urine output, oliguria is decreased urine output, and haematuria is blood in the urine.
What does ICU stand for?
- International Care Unit
- Intensive Care Unit
- Intermediate Care Unit
- None of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: ICU is the standard abbreviation for the Intensive Care Unit.
What is the physician of the pregnancy called?
- Cardiologist
- Obstetrician
- Hematologist
- Neonatologist
Explanation: Answer reason: A physician who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth is an obstetrician: cardiologists focus on the heart, hematologists on blood disorders, and neonatologists on the care of newborns.
Mastectomy is the removal of...?
- Uterus
- Breast
- Gallbladder
- Thyroid gland
Explanation: Answer reason: Mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue.
Bleeding from the nose is called?
- Rhinitis
- Epistaxis
- Sinusitis
- Hemoptysis
Explanation: Answer reason: Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa, sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, and hemoptysis is coughing up blood from the lower respiratory tract.
Which procedure is also known as "head cut off"?
- Evisceration
- Cleidotomy
- Craniotomy
- Decapitation
Explanation: Answer reason: Decapitation literally means the removal of the head. Evisceration is the removal of internal organs, cleidotomy is the cutting of the clavicle, and craniotomy involves the opening of the skull.
A pregnant woman, in medical terms, is known as?
- Gramita
- Gravina
- Para
- Gravida
Explanation: Answer reason: Gravida refers to a woman who is or has been pregnant. Para refers to births past viability. The other terms are incorrect.
The study of the skin is called?
- Scientology.
- Skinology.
- Symbology.
- Dermatology.
Explanation: Answer reason: Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the study of the skin; the other options are unrelated terms.
A doctor who treats a woman during her pregnancy is known as?
- Cardiologist
- Pediatrician
- Obstetrician
- Oncologist
Explanation: Answer reason: An obstetrician is the physician who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth. Cardiologists treat heart disease, pediatricians treat children, and oncologists treat cancer.
Which surgical procedure involves the removal of an organ?
- Tracheostomy
- Laparotomy
- Mammoplasty
- Mastectomy
Explanation: Answer reason: Mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast. A tracheostomy creates an opening, a laparotomy is an abdominal incision, and a mammoplasty is reconstructive/cosmetic breast surgery.
You are working with a client who has a respiratory disease. You find that the client can breathe only in an upright or standing position. In charting, you could describe the difficulty breathing in any position other than an upright or standing position, or you could use the medical term for this condition, which is?
- Orthopnea
- Tachypnea
- Bradypnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting or standing. Tachypnea is rapid breathing, and bradypnea is slow breathing.
An instrument placed against a patient's chest to listen to both lung and heart sounds?
- Stethoscope
- Otoscope
- Sphygmomanometer
- Telescope
Explanation: Answer reason: A stethoscope is used for auscultation of heart and lung sounds; an otoscope examines the ear; a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure; and a telescope is for distant viewing.
What is the inflammation of the liver called?
- Hepatitis
- Nephritis
- Encephalitis
- Pneumonitis
Explanation: Answer reason: Hepatitis literally means inflammation of the liver; nephritis is kidney, encephalitis is brain, and pneumonitis is lung inflammation.
What is the study of the heart called?
- Hematology
- Traumatology
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Explanation: Answer reason: Cardiology is the medical specialty focused on the heart. Hematology is blood, Traumatology is injuries, and Nephrology is kidneys.
What is the medical term for difficulty swallowing?
- Dyspepsia
- Dyspnea
- Dysphagia
- Depiga
Explanation: Answer reason: Dysphagia specifically means difficulty swallowing; dyspepsia is indigestion and dyspnea is difficulty breathing.
What is the medical term for pain during urination?
- Cystitis
- Hematuria
- Dysuria
- Pyelonephritis
Explanation: Answer reason: Dysuria is the term for painful or difficult urination. Cystitis is bladder inflammation, hematuria is blood in urine, and pyelonephritis is a kidney infection.
What is the medical term for inflammation of the tongue?
- Gastritis
- Hepatitis
- Glossitis
- Enteritis
Explanation: Answer reason: Glossitis means inflammation of the tongue; gastritis is stomach inflammation, hepatitis is liver inflammation, and enteritis is intestinal inflammation.
What is the medical term for pain in the uterus?
- Myalgia
- Otalgia
- Hysterodynia
- Arthralgia
Explanation: Answer reason: Hystero- refers to the uterus and -odynia means pain; thus hysterodynia is uterine pain. Myalgia is muscle pain, otalgia ear pain, and arthralgia joint pain.
What is decannulation?
- Insertion of a tube
- Care of the tube
- Removal of the tube.
- Fixation of the tube
- None of these.
Explanation: Answer reason: Decannulation refers to the removal of a cannula or tube, such as a tracheostomy tube.
Dx means?
- Date of diagnosis
- Diagram
- Death
- Diagnosis
Explanation: Answer reason: Dx is the common medical abbreviation for diagnosis.
Study of dreams?
- Oology
- Pedology
- Oneirology
Explanation: Answer reason: The term for the study of dreams is oneirology. Oology is the study of eggs and pedology refers to soils or children, not dreams.
What is a bone specialist called?
- Dentist
- Orthopedic
- Pharmacist
Explanation: Answer reason: A bone specialist is an orthopedist (orthopedic surgeon) who treats bones and joints; a dentist treats teeth and a pharmacist dispenses medications.
Bleeding from the nose is called?
- Hyperemesis
- Haemoptysis
- Hematemesis
- Epistaxis
Explanation: Answer reason: Epistaxis is the medical term for nosebleed; hyperemesis is excessive vomiting, haemoptysis is coughing up blood, and hematemesis is vomiting blood.
PPV stands for?
- Positive Pressure Ventilation
- Positive Pressure Ventilation
- Periodic Pressure Ventilation
- Pressure Periodic Ventilation
Explanation: Answer reason: PPV is the standard abbreviation for positive pressure ventilation used in resuscitation and mechanical ventilation.
NICU stands for?
- Newborn Intensive Care Unit
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit
- Newborn Intermediate Care Unit
Explanation: Answer reason: NICU is the standard abbreviation for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the specialized ICU for newborns.
What does the term cheilosis mean?
- Bad breath
- Inflammation of the gums.
- Cracking of the lips
- Inflammation of the tongue.
Explanation: Answer reason: Cheilosis (cheilitis) refers to fissuring/cracking of the lips, especially at the corners, commonly seen with riboflavin deficiency.
An X-ray study of the fallopian tube is known as?
- Salpingography
- Myelography
- Cholecystoscopy
- Pyelography
Explanation: Answer reason: Salpingo- refers to the fallopian tubes and -graphy denotes radiographic imaging; thus salpingography is the X-ray study of the fallopian tubes. Myelography is for spinal cord, pyelography for renal pelvis, and cholecystoscopy is endoscopic gallbladder exam.
An increased respiratory rate is called?
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Tachypnea
- Bradypnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Tachypnea means abnormally rapid breathing (increased respiratory rate). Tachycardia/Bradycardia refer to heart rate; Bradypnea is decreased respiratory rate.
Expanded form of SARS is?
- Severe acquired respiratory syndrome
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome
- Severe acute reproductive syndrome
- Severe acquired reproductive syndrome
Explanation: Answer reason: SARS is the abbreviation for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Macrosomia is?
- Large size baby
- Big mouth
- Large head
- Large tongue
Explanation: Answer reason: Macrosomia refers to an abnormally large body size of a newborn (fetal overgrowth), typically birth weight >4,000–4,500 g. Hence, large size baby.
A group of symptoms that sums of or constitute as disease is known as?
- Clinical manifestation
- Sign
- Symptoms
- Syndrome
Explanation: Answer reason: A syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular disease or condition.
What is the medical term for a Nosebleed?
- Epistaxis
- Rhinorrhea
- Dysphagia
- Sinusitis
Explanation: Answer reason: Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. Rhinorrhea is a runny nose, dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, and sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.
Copd?
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Cardio obstructive pulmonary deficiency
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
- Cardio onset pulmonary distension
Explanation: Answer reason: COPD is the standard abbreviation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; other options misuse cardio or the term deficiency/disorder.
Think you’re ready for the NCLEX?
Run through a full 150-question exam just like the real thing. You’ll hit the 85-question checkpoint and get a clear report showing where you stand.