This is a slideshow describing a few medical abbreviations.

1. Biology 120
Knowledge Assignment
9H
Jon Harkleroad
Truman College

2. 1. Cysto – cystoscopy
a. From the prefix cyst/o meaning urinary bladder
b. This is a visual exam of the urinary bladder using a
cystoscope. This thin tube has a light and camera on the end
and is inserted through the urethra.
c. This may be used as a diagnostic tool to find abnormalities or
to assist with surgery
d. Some conditions it is used to evaluate & diagnose are:
i. bladder cancer
ii. urinary stones
iii. frequent UTI (* see next)

3. 2. UTI – urinary tract infection
a. An infection, usually caused by bacteria, in any organ of the urinary
system.
b. Most UTIs are bladder infections. If untreated, may become a more
serious kidney infection.
c. Women get them more frequently than men due to their shorter
urethra.
d. Mild symptoms include painful urination, frequent urge to urinate
but very little voiding, urine is cloudy or smells bad.
e. More serious symptoms include nausea & vomiting, fever, and pain
on one side of your back under your ribs.
f. Common home remedy for mild UTI is to drink lots of water and
cranberry juice.

4. 3. RP – retrograde pyelogram
a. diagnostic xray using radiopaque dye to see the urinary bladder,
ureters and renal pelvis.
b. Often used when performing a cystoscopy
c. Used to determine the presence of stones, tumors or other
obstructions in the kidneys or ureters
d. During retrograde pyelogram, the physician inserts an endoscope
through the urethra into the bladder. The physician then
examines the bladder by inserting a catheter into the ureter(s). A
contrast dye injected through the catheter(s) highlights trouble
spots on the X-rays, which are taken at timed intervals. After the
removal of the catheter(s), the physician checks for the retention
of the contrast dye.

5. 4. ARF – acute renal failure
a. Rapid breakdown of renal function leading to high levels of
uremic toxins in the bloodstream.
b. In acute renal failure, both kidneys are failing
c. Most patients who go into acute renal failure are already critically
ill. Some notable causes are heart failure, sepsis and severe blood
loss.
d. Treatment of ARF may include dialysis in which a machine filters
the body’s blood.

6. 5. BUN – blood urea nitrogen
a. This is a blood test to evaluate kidney function by measuring the
levels of nitrogenous waste in the blood.
b. Urea is made when proteins are broken down. It is then expelled
from the body in urine. When the kidneys are not functioning
properly, the BUN levels will rise.
c. This test is often done with another test, creatinine, to detect renal
failure.