ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7 flashcards

Correctly writing words according to standard orthography, critical for clear communication in healthcare documentation.

• Ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretation.
• Essential for patient safety and legal documentation.
• Common errors include transposing letters, phonetic misspellings, or confusion of homophones.

Memory trick: Clear Patient Records Require Excellent Language Skills.

A medical term referring to the likely course and outcome of a disease or condition.

• Forecasts future health
• Based on diagnosis, patient factors, and medical knowledge
• Can be good, poor, or uncertain
• Distinct from diagnosis (identification of disease) and treatment (management of disease)

Memory trick: Prognosis is the 'pro-view' of your health's journey.

Three common homophones: 'there' (adverb of place or expletive), 'their' (possessive pronoun), 'they're' (contraction of 'they are').

• 'There' indicates a location (e.g., 'over there') or introduces a sentence (e.g., 'there is').
• 'Their' shows possession (e.g., 'their car').
• 'They're' is a contraction for 'they are' (e.g., 'they're happy').

Memory trick: Location, Possession, Contraction – know your 'theirs'!

Expressing ideas clearly and effectively in the fewest possible words, avoiding redundancy and unnecessary complexity.

• Improves clarity and readability.
• Saves time for the reader (especially important in healthcare).
• Achieved by eliminating wordy phrases, passive voice, and redundant information.

Memory trick: Say it simply, say it clearly, save time for the reader.

Formal language is characterized by a serious, objective, and precise tone, typically used in academic, professional, and official contexts. Informal language is more relaxed, conversational, and often includes slang or colloquialisms, suitable for casual communication.

• Formal language avoids contractions, slang, and personal opinions.
• It uses complete sentences and precise vocabulary.
• Informal language is common in personal emails, texts, and casual conversations.

Memory trick: Clarity, Conciseness, Courtesy, and Correctness are Key.

A medical term for the sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Subjective experience reported by patient
• Can be acute or chronic
• Symptom of various underlying conditions (cardiac, pulmonary, etc.)
• Often accompanied by visible signs of respiratory distress

Memory trick: Breathing terms: 'pnea' means air, the prefixes tell the tale.

Active voice: the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The nurse administered the medication'). Passive voice: the subject receives the action (e.g., 'The medication was administered by the nurse').

• Active voice is generally more direct, clear, and concise.
• Passive voice can be useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when emphasizing the action's recipient.
• Many academic and scientific guidelines recommend active voice for clarity.

Memory trick: Active speaks, Passive is spoken to.

'Accept' is a verb meaning to receive or agree. 'Except' is usually a preposition or conjunction meaning excluding or other than.

• Accept (verb): to take or receive; to agree to.
• Except (preposition/conjunction): not including; other than; apart from.
• Commonly confused due to similar pronunciation.

Memory trick: Accept means Take In, Except means Leave Out

A type of conjunctive adverb that connects two independent clauses and signals a contrast or opposition between them.

• Common examples: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast.
• Typically preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
• Used to show that the second clause presents information that is different from or unexpected given the first clause.

Memory trick: Conjunctions Link Ideas, Contrasting Too

Categorization of blood pressure readings into normal, elevated, or hypertensive stages based on systolic and diastolic measurements.

• Normal: <120/<80 mmHg
• Elevated (Prehypertension): 120-129/<80 mmHg
• Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139 or 80-89 mmHg
• Hypertension Stage 2: >=140 or >=90 mmHg

Memory trick: Normal Elevated, then Stages One and Two, know your BP or you'll feel blue!

A medical term indicating enlargement of the liver.

• Derived from 'hepato-' (liver) and '-megaly' (enlargement)
• Often a symptom of an underlying disease
• Can be detected by palpation during physical exam or imaging studies
• Causes include liver disease, heart failure, cancer

Memory trick: '-megaly' means big, the prefix tells you which organ to dig!

Words that sound the same but have different meanings and often different spellings.

• Can lead to confusion if not used correctly in writing.
• Common in English, e.g., 'to/too/two,' 'there/their/they're.'
• Context is crucial for understanding and correct usage.

Memory trick: Sound alike, look different, mean different.

An involuntary, rapid, and repetitive oscillation or movement of the eyes.

• Can be horizontal, vertical, or rotatory
• Often a sign of neurological dysfunction or inner ear problems
• Can be congenital or acquired
• May be more prominent in certain gaze directions

Memory trick: Eye movements tell tales, know your 'gmus' and 'plegias' for eye health.

PO is a medical abbreviation derived from the Latin 'per os,' meaning 'by mouth' or 'orally.'

• Used in prescriptions and medical orders to indicate oral administration of medication.
• Essential for clear and unambiguous communication in healthcare.
• Misinterpretation can lead to medication errors.

Memory trick: Many Abbreviations Mean Many Methods

Words that sound alike but have different meanings and often different spellings.

• Common source of errors in writing.
• Context is essential to determine the correct homophone.
• Examples include 'to/too/two', 'their/there/they're', 'affect/effect'.

Memory trick: Sound Alike, Spell Different, Mean Different

A conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them.

• They modify the verb, adjective, or other adverb in the independent clause.
• They are typically preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
• They express relationships such as cause/effect, contrast, sequence, or addition.

Memory trick: Conjunctions Link Results and Sequences

These are often confused homophones. 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence. 'Effect' is typically a noun meaning a result or consequence.

• Affect (verb): to influence, to produce a change in.
• Effect (noun): a result, a consequence, an outcome.
• Rare exceptions exist (e.g., 'affect' as a noun in psychology, 'effect' as a verb meaning to bring about), but the primary rules apply for general usage.

Memory trick: A is for Action (verb), E is for End Result (noun)

A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

• Synonyms can often be substituted for each other in context.
• Understanding synonyms enhances vocabulary and comprehension.
• Context is crucial when choosing the best synonym.

Memory trick: Same Meaning, Different Word

Pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system.

• Often described as burning, shooting, tingling, or electric-shock like
• Can be chronic and persistent
• May occur spontaneously without stimulus
• Examples: diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, phantom limb pain

Memory trick: Pain has types, from tissue to nerve, know the source to properly serve.

Pronouns must agree in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine/neuter) with the noun or pronoun they refer to (their antecedent).

• Singular antecedents require singular pronouns (e.g., 'The patient received his/her medication.').
• Plural antecedents require plural pronouns (e.g., 'The patients received their medication.').
• Using 'they/their' as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun is becoming widely accepted, but formal contexts often prefer strict agreement or rephrasing.

Memory trick: Pronouns and Antecedents Must Match

A common English spelling guideline: 'i' usually comes before 'e,' except when it follows 'c,' or when sounded as 'ay' as in 'neighbor' or 'weigh.'

• Applies to many English words.
• Has exceptions, especially with 'c' or 'ay' sound.
• Helps remember spellings like 'receive,' 'believe,' 'achieve.'

Memory trick: Rules help us write, but exceptions often surprise.

The principle that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

• Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs.
• Phrases between the subject and verb do not affect agreement.
• In clauses, the verb must agree with its antecedent.

Memory trick: Subjects and Verbs Must Always Agree

Ensuring the verb in a sentence correctly matches its subject in number (singular or plural). For 'data,' historically plural, modern usage often accepts it as singular in some contexts, but academically, plural is preferred.

• 'Data' is technically the plural of 'datum'.
• In formal and academic writing, 'data' typically takes a plural verb (e.g., 'data are').
• In informal or common usage, 'data' is sometimes treated as a singular mass noun (e.g., 'data is').

Memory trick: Subject and verb should always agree, like partners in a dance.

PRN stands for 'pro re nata,' a Latin phrase meaning 'as needed.' It indicates that a medication or treatment should be given only when necessary, based on the patient's condition or symptoms.

• Commonly used for pain medication, anti-nausea drugs, or sleep aids.
• Requires clinical judgment from the nurse to assess patient need.
• Ensures medication is not given on a fixed schedule if not required.

Memory trick: Many Patients Really Need care.

A common medical abbreviation derived from Latin, instructing that a patient should not consume anything orally.

• Stands for 'nil per os' (Latin)
• Means 'nothing by mouth'
• Used before surgery, certain tests, or specific medical conditions
• Includes food, drink, and sometimes oral medications

Memory trick: Many medical letters, learn their meanings for patient safety.

An abnormal sensation, typically tingling or prickling, often described as 'pins and needles', caused by nerve irritation or damage.

• Sensory symptom, not motor
• Can be temporary (e.g., limb 'falling asleep') or chronic
• Indicates nerve involvement
• Often associated with conditions like neuropathy, stroke, or nerve compression

Memory trick: Nerve feelings vary, know your 'esthesias' to pinpoint the problem.

'Thereby' is an adverb meaning 'by that means' or 'as a result of that'. 'Therefore' is a conjunctive adverb meaning 'for that reason' or 'consequently'.

• Thereby: usually followed by a participle (-ing form), forming a participial phrase that modifies the preceding clause.
• Therefore: connects two independent clauses, often preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
• Both indicate consequence or result but are used in different grammatical structures.

Memory trick: Thereby's a Means, Therefore's a Reason

A common Latin-derived medical abbreviation indicating that medication should be taken three times a day.

• Stands for 'ter in die' (Latin)
• Means 'three times a day'
• Crucial for correct medication dosage and timing
• Part of standard prescription instructions

Memory trick: Frequent dosing letters, know them well, your patient's health depends on it!

The variable in an experiment that is measured or observed, and whose value is expected to change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

• It 'depends' on the independent variable.
• It is the effect in a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Often plotted on the y-axis of a graph.

Memory trick: Independent is Input, Dependent is Data, Controlled is Constant.

A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cell growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

• Houses chromosomes, which carry genetic information.
• Regulates gene expression and protein synthesis.
• Surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope.

Memory trick: Organelles Orchestrate Life's Functions.

A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution.

• Ranges from 0 to 14.
• pH 7 is neutral.
• Lower pH indicates higher acidity, higher pH indicates higher alkalinity (basicity).

Memory trick: High pH means 'hyper-basic'.

A solution that has a higher solute concentration than another solution, typically referring to body fluids like blood plasma.

• Causes water to move out of cells.
• Cells will shrink or crenate.
• Used clinically to reduce edema or increase blood volume.

Memory trick: Hyper-tonic solutions make cells 'hyper-shrink'.

A mathematical equation used to calculate the volume or concentration of a solution when it is diluted. M1 and V1 are the initial molarity and volume, and M2 and V2 are the final molarity and volume.

• Molarity (M) is moles of solute per liter of solution.
• Volume (V) can be in liters or milliliters, as long as units are consistent.
• Assumes the amount of solute remains constant during dilution.

Memory trick: Mighty Vials Make More Volume.

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge.

• Molecules migrate through a gel matrix.
• Smaller molecules move faster and further.
• Used for DNA fingerprinting, gene cloning, and diagnostic purposes.

Memory trick: Gel electrophoresis is like a 'gel race' for DNA fragments, smaller ones win.

A solution containing a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid) that resists changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of strong acid or base.

• Maintains a relatively constant pH.
• Crucial in biological systems (e.g., blood pH).
• Works by neutralizing added H+ or OH- ions.

Memory trick: Buffers Balance pH, Best for Bio.

A hormone, primarily produced by the kidneys, that stimulates the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow.

• Released in response to hypoxia (low oxygen levels).
• Crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
• Synthetic forms are used to treat anemia, especially in kidney disease.

Memory trick: EPO for Erythrocytes, Kidneys are Key.

A neurotransmitter and hormone primarily involved in the 'fight or flight' response, increasing alertness, heart rate, and blood flow to muscles.

• Released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons.
• Acts on adrenergic receptors.
• Also functions as a hormone from the adrenal medulla.

Memory trick: Norepinephrine Navigates the 'Now or Never' Response.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells.

• Lowers blood glucose.
• Produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets.
• Deficiency leads to diabetes mellitus.

Memory trick: Insulin is the 'in' hormone, letting glucose 'in' to cells.

The fundamental concept that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein, involving the processes of replication, transcription, and translation.

• Replication: DNA makes copies of itself.
• Transcription: DNA is transcribed into mRNA.
• Translation: mRNA is translated into protein (amino acid sequence).

Memory trick: DNA 'R'eplicates, 'T'ranscribes 'T'o 'P'rotein.

Clusters of cells within the pancreas responsible for producing hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood glucose levels.

• Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake into cells.
• Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glucose release from the liver.
• Dysfunction of these islets leads to diabetes mellitus.

Memory trick: Endocrine Glands: Hormones Help Organs Operate.

A ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that prevents reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

• Relaxes to allow food into the stomach.
• Contracts to prevent acid reflux.
• Dysfunction leads to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Memory trick: LES: Less Esophageal Sizzle from Stomach.

Smallest airways in the lungs that branch off from the bronchi and lead to the alveolar ducts and alveoli.

• Lack cartilage support.
• Regulate airflow to alveoli via smooth muscle contraction/relaxation.
• Primary site of resistance in the lower respiratory tract.

Memory trick: Bronchioles are the 'tiny branches' of the lung tree.

The unique, linear sequence of amino acids that makes up a polypeptide chain, determined by the genetic code.

• It's the most fundamental level of protein structure.
• Determined by peptide bonds between amino acids.
• Dictates all subsequent levels of protein folding and function.

Memory trick: Primary's First, Secondary's Spirals, Tertiary's Three-D, Quaternary's Quartet.

A domain of single-celled organisms that are prokaryotes, meaning they have no cell nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelles in their cells.

• Often extremophiles, living in harsh environments.
• Genetically distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes.
• Play roles in nutrient cycles and some produce methane.

Memory trick: Every Big Apple is for Everyone.

The long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

• Transmits action potentials.
• Can be very long, extending to distant parts of the body.
• Often insulated by a myelin sheath.

Memory trick: Neurons 'axon' to send signals 'far on'.

An essential electrolyte vital for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (especially cardiac muscle), and maintaining fluid balance within cells.

• Crucial for repolarization phase of action potentials.
• Maintains intracellular fluid volume.
• Dysregulation can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

Memory trick: K for Kramp and Kardiac Rhythm

Bone marrow, a site of rapid cell division for blood cell production, is highly susceptible to damage from radiation therapy.

• Contains hematopoietic stem cells.
• Produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Damage leads to myelosuppression, causing anemia, immunodeficiency, and thrombocytopenia.

Memory trick: Rapidly Reproducing Cells Receive Radiation's Ruin.

The specialized synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscle cells, causing contraction.

• Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter released here.
• Binding of acetylcholine to receptors on the muscle fiber initiates muscle contraction.
• Disorders like Myasthenia Gravis affect this junction.

Memory trick: Neurotransmitters Navigate Nerves, Nudging New Actions.

Blood vessels that branch off the aorta and supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle (myocardium) itself.

• Essential for the heart's function and survival.
• Blockage leads to myocardial ischemia and infarction (heart attack).
• Include the left main, left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries.

Memory trick: Coronary Trouble = Cardiac Attack.

An essential trace mineral primarily known for its role in oxygen transport as a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

• Crucial for hemoglobin and myoglobin synthesis.
• Deficiency leads to iron-deficiency anemia.
• Also involved in enzyme function and cellular respiration.

Memory trick: Iron's Importance is in Oxygen's Journey.

The cerebellum is a brain structure located at the back of the brain, responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning.

• Coordinates precise, voluntary movements.
• Maintains balance and equilibrium.
• Regulates muscle tone and posture.

Memory trick: The Cerebellum helps you 'C' your balance and coordination.

An endocrine gland that produces hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood glucose levels.

• Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake into cells.
• Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glucose release from the liver.
• Dysfunction leads to diabetes mellitus (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

Memory trick: Pancreatic Power Prevents Problematic Plasma levels.

An intravenous fluid with a higher concentration of solutes than the body's cells, causing water to be drawn out of cells and interstitial spaces into the bloodstream.

• Increases intravascular fluid volume.
• Used to treat severe dehydration, cerebral edema, or hyponatremia.
• Requires careful monitoring due to risk of fluid overload or cellular dehydration.

Memory trick: Hyper-Higher, Hypo-Lower, Iso-Same.

A respiratory drive in which the body uses oxygen levels, instead of carbon dioxide levels, to regulate breathing, typically found in individuals with chronic hypercapnia.

• Normally, CO2 levels are the primary stimulus for breathing.
• In COPD, chronic high CO2 blunts chemoreceptor sensitivity to CO2.
• Low O2 then becomes the main signal to breathe; high O2 can remove this signal, leading to hypoventilation.

Memory trick: COPD's CO2 Crushes Control, Oxygen Overtakes.

Membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells, primarily responsible for generating large quantities of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration.

• Often called the 'powerhouses' of the cell.
• Contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes.
• Involved in ATP production, calcium signaling, and apoptosis.

Memory trick: Mighty Mitochondria Make Much ATP.

An immediate allergic reaction mediated by IgE antibodies, leading to the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils.

• Also known as immediate or anaphylactic hypersensitivity.
• Triggered by allergens like pollen, food, insect venom.
• Symptoms range from mild (hives) to severe (anaphylaxis).

Memory trick: ACID: Anaphylactic, Cytotoxic, Immune-complex, Delayed.

The factor in an experiment that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on another variable.

• Also known as the 'manipulated variable'.
• Its value is controlled or chosen by the experimenter.
• It is plotted on the x-axis of a graph.

Memory trick: I Change D Measure.

A type of endocytosis in which a cell engulfs large particles, such as bacteria or cellular debris, by extending pseudopods and forming a vesicle.

• Known as 'cell eating'.
• Involves the formation of a phagosome.
• Crucial for immune cells like macrophages.

Memory trick: Phago-cytosis means 'fag' (eat) large particles.

An immune response that does not involve antibodies, but rather involves the activation of phagocytes, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen.

• Primarily involves T lymphocytes (T cells).
• Targets infected cells, cancer cells, and foreign tissue (e.g., transplant rejection).
• Can be a major contributor to autoimmune diseases by attacking self-cells.

Memory trick: CHAMPS: Cell-mediated, Humoral, Antibodies, Memory, Protection, Specificity.

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself.

• Lowers activation energy.
• Not consumed in the reaction.
• Can be recovered unchanged after the reaction.

Memory trick: A catalyst 'cuts' the time of reaction.