Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What does the prefix brady- imply about a condition?

1. Fast

2. Normal

3. Slow

4. Complete

The correct answer is: Slow

The prefix "brady-" originates from the Greek word "bradys," which means slow. In medical terminology, it is used to describe conditions characterized by a slower than normal rate. For example, bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate. Understanding medical prefixes is critical for accurately interpreting and communicating health-related information, as they can provide insight into the nature of a condition based on the root word they are associated with. In contrast, other prefixes like "tachy-" indicate a fast condition, while a term such as "normal" would not be applicable in the context of prefixes that denote speed or completeness. Therefore, the association of "brady-" with slowness is key to understanding various medical terms and conditions related to slower bodily functions.