Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood from clotting. They are commonly prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism to prevent the formation of harmful clots. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Analgesics: Used to relieve pain.
Tranquilizers: Used to reduce anxiety or induce sleep.
Reference:
“Anticoagulants.” MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/anticoagulants.html

In order to inflate the blood pressure cuff, the valve is not turned initially, meaning it should be closed to build up pressure. Once the cuff is inflated to the desired level, the valve is then gradually opened (usually turned counter-clockwise) to slowly release the air and measure the blood pressure.
Reference:
American Heart Association. (n.d.). How to Measure Blood Pressure Using a Manual Monitor.
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Blood Pressure Test.

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, beneath the occipital lobes and behind the brainstem. It plays a crucial role in motor control, particularly in the coordination, precision, and timing of movements. The cerebellum integrates input from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to fine-tune motor activity. It helps maintain balance and posture by coordinating the muscles used for these functions. Damage to the cerebellum can result in loss of coordination (ataxia), tremors, and difficulty with balance and gait.

An agent given to counteract an unwanted effect of a drug is called an antidote. Antidotes are used to neutralize or mitigate the effects of poisons or overdoses of medications, ensuring patient safety and recovery from toxic exposures.
Reference:
Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies by Lewis R. Goldfrank
Poisoning & Drug Overdose by Kent R. Olson

A patient in the supine position is lying flat on their back with their palms and face up. This position is commonly used during surgeries and medical examinations as it provides easy access to the patient’s anterior body, including the chest and abdomen.
Lying face down: This is known as the prone position.
Lying on the left side with the right leg flexed: This is often referred to as the left lateral or left Sims’ position.
Lying on the right side with the left leg flexed: This is the right lateral or right Sims’ position.
Reference:
“Patient Positioning.” MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000436.htm

A prefix is a group of letters placed at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. Prefixes can change the word into a different form of the original word, often changing the meaning significantly. For example, the prefix “un-” added to “happy” forms “unhappy,” meaning not happy.

Vitamin K is necessary for the proper clotting of the blood. It is essential for the synthesis of proteins required for blood coagulation and for binding calcium in bones and other tissues. Deficiency in vitamin K can lead to increased bleeding and bruising. Reference: Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, nutrition and biochemistry references.

Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen being carried to the body’s tissues. This can result from a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, or folate, among other causes. The other options refer to different conditions:
Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Ischemia: Restricted blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen needed for cellular metabolism.
Reference:
“Anemia.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/anemia

The prefix osteo- means bone. This prefix is used in medical terminology to refer to conditions and structures related to bones, such as osteoarthritis (a type of arthritis that affects bones and joints) and osteoporosis (a condition where bones become weak and brittle).
Reference:
Mosby’s Medical Dictionary (10th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). (2006). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The word part “itis” means inflammation. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe inflammatory conditions affecting various parts of the body. For example, “arthritis” refers to inflammation of the joints, and “bronchitis” refers to inflammation of the bronchi.
Reference:
Medical Terminology: A Short Course by Davi-Ellen Chabner
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary

For the first two months, the unborn child is referred to as an embryo. During this period, major organs and structures begin to form. After the initial two months, the developing baby is referred to as a fetus until birth. Reference: Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, embryology and prenatal development references.

A mild hypnotic drug that is relaxing but doesn’t necessarily produce sleep is called a sedative. Sedatives are used to calm patients, reduce anxiety, and induce relaxation. They are commonly used in medical settings to prepare patients for procedures or to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Reference:
Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions by Colbert and Woodrow

The small sac attached to the underside of the liver that stores bile is called the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. Reference: Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant study materials, anatomy and physiology textbooks.

Auscultation is a clinical procedure used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient’s body, typically the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system. This process is performed using a stethoscope. The stethoscope is an essential medical instrument that amplifies the internal sounds, allowing healthcare providers to assess the function and condition of these organs. During auscultation, the healthcare provider places the diaphragm or bell of the stethoscope on the patient’s skin to listen for normal and abnormal sounds, such as heart murmurs, lung crackles, or bowel sounds. This method is crucial for diagnosing conditions like respiratory infections, cardiovascular disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.
Using a percussion hammer, otoscope, or speculum would not be appropriate for auscultation. A percussion hammer is used to test reflexes, an otoscope is used to examine the ears, and a speculum is used to inspect body cavities like the vagina or nasal passages. Therefore, the stethoscope is the correct and verified tool for auscultation.

The muscle walls of the heart are called the myocardium. This is the thick, muscular layer of the heart responsible for contracting and pumping blood throughout the body. The myocardium is composed of specialized cardiac muscle cells that enable the heart to function as an efficient pump. It is distinct from the endocardium (inner lining) and the epicardium (outer layer) of the heart.
Reference:
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Cardiovascular Physiology by Mohrman and Heller