Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What does the suffix "-pnea" mean?

Before
Enlargement
Breathing
Pain

The correct answer is: Breathing

The suffix "-pnea" is derived from the Greek word "pnein," which means "to breathe." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to breathing patterns or conditions related to respiration. For example, terms such as "apnea" (the cessation of breathing) and "dyspnea" (difficulty in breathing) utilize this suffix to convey information about breathing status. A few other terms help clarify the usage of "-pnea." If we look at "tachypnea," it indicates rapid breathing, while "bradypnea" suggests abnormally slow breathing. These examples reflect how the suffix directly relates to different states of respiratory activity, further solidifying the understanding that "-pnea" is fundamentally connected to breathing.