Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What does the suffix -itis typically indicate in medical terminology?

1. Condition, usually abnormal

2. Inflammation

3. Disease condition

4. Tumor, mass swelling

The correct answer is: Inflammation

The suffix -itis in medical terminology specifically denotes inflammation. This suffix is used in various medical terms to indicate a condition characterized by inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. For example, appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, while tonsillitis indicates inflammation of the tonsils. When used in this context, -itis signifies an immune response that may involve swelling, redness, heat, and pain, all distinguishing features of inflammation. Recognizing this suffix helps in understanding that it alerts healthcare professionals to the presence of an inflammatory process, which is critical for diagnosis and treatment. In contrast, the other choices refer to different aspects of health conditions. The term for condition (usually abnormal) does not narrow down the specific nature of what’s being indicated, focusing instead on the abnormality rather than the inflammatory response. Disease condition is a broader term that encompasses various types of health issues without pinpointing the inflammatory aspect. Similarly, tumor or mass swelling describes specific types of growths or enlargements in body tissues but does not reflect the inflammatory nature suggested by -itis.