Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

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What is the meaning of the suffix "-stomy"?

An incision
A new opening
A removal procedure
Binding or fixation

The correct answer is: A new opening

The suffix "-stomy" refers to a surgical procedure that creates a new opening in the body. This term is derived from the Greek word "stoma," which means "mouth" or "opening." In medical terminology, it is often used to describe the creation of an artificial opening to the outside of the body, such as a colostomy or ileostomy, where a part of the gastrointestinal tract is brought to the surface of the abdomen. Recognizing the meaning of this suffix is essential for understanding various medical procedures and terminologies related to surgery and anatomical alterations. For example, a colostomy involves rerouting the colon through the abdominal wall to allow waste to exit the body, thus creating a new pathway. The other options refer to different types of surgical or medical actions: an incision refers to a cut made during a procedure, a removal procedure typically involves excising tissue or organs, and binding or fixation relates to stabilizing a structure. Each of these terms conveys distinct meanings in medical language, but they do not pertain to the creation of a new opening, highlighting why the choice that focuses on this concept is the correct one.