Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 2 The Skeletal System 51
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 2 The Skeletal System 51
Drug Effect on Body
anti-infl ammatory Agent that counteracts infl ammation.
antipyretic
AN-tee-pigh-RET-ik
Agent that reduces fever.
narcotic Drug that relieves pain and induces
sleep by depressing the central
nervous system.
nonsteroidal anti-
infl ammatory drug (NSAID)
Agent that relieves pain, counteracts
infl ammation, and reduces fever;
commonly used to treat arthritis.
Common Medical Abbreviations
The following medical abbreviations are commonly used in reference
to the skeletal system. These abbreviations provide a shorthand method
of communication among healthcare professionals concerning patho-
logical conditions, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and therapeutic
treatments. These abbreviations can be found in this chapter and in the
medical record activity that follows.
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
ATT PHYS attending
physician
MRI magnetic
resonance imaging
BP blood pressure NSAID nonsteroidal anti-
infl ammatory drug
CRIF closed reduction
and internal
fi xation
ORIF open reduction and
internal fi xation
CT computerized
tomography;
computed
tomography
PO, p.o. by mouth (from
the Latin per os)
CV cardiovascular PRN, p.r.n. as needed (from the
Latin pro re nata)
DJD degenerative joint
disease
Pt, pt. patient
GI gastrointestinal Q4H every four hours
(from the Latin
quaque quarta hora)
L left R right
LBP lower back pain RA rheumatoid
arthritis
LS lumbosacral RF rheumatoid factor
L5–S1 lumbar vertebra 5
to sacral vertebra 1
y/o years old; year-old
mg milligram(s)
Directions: Working
with a partner, see how
fast you can recite the
alphabet by naming a
skeletal system term that
begins with each letter
of the alphabet. The first
person names a term
that starts with the letter
A, the second person
names a term that begins
with the letter B, and so
on. You might also do
this activity by writing
separate lists. After you
have written as many
terms as you can think
of, exchange your results
with your partner.
E-flash
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