Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

The prefix "dys-" means:

1. Against

2. Unfavorable

3. Backward

4. Difficult

The correct answer is: Difficult

The prefix "dys-" originates from Greek and is used in medical terminology to indicate a sense of difficulty, abnormality, or impairment. In the context of patient care and medical terminology, it is often utilized to describe conditions that involve difficulty in function or process. For instance, "dysphagia" refers to difficulty in swallowing, and "dyslexia" refers to difficulty with reading. While the other options provide related concepts, they do not encapsulate the specific meaning of "dys-" as effectively as the concept of difficulty. "Against," "unfavorable," and "backward" do not reflect the core theme of a challenging or problematic state indicated by "dys-," making "difficult" the correct and most relevant interpretation. Understanding this prefix is crucial for properly interpreting various medical conditions and communicating effectively in a healthcare setting.