Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the indication of the suffix "-itis"?

1. Infection

2. Inflammation

3. Decreased flow

4. Pain

The correct answer is: Inflammation

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. For instance, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, while arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints. This suffix helps healthcare professionals convey important information regarding a patient's condition, specifically that there is an inflammatory process occurring, which can be a response to infection, injury, or other underlying issues. While inflammation may often accompany infections, the suffix itself points directly to the inflammation rather than the infection itself. Understanding that "-itis" denotes inflammation is critical for accurately interpreting medical terms and communicating effectively in patient care settings.