Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What does "tachy-" mean in medical terminology?

Slow
Fast
Normal
Irregular

The correct answer is: Fast

In medical terminology, the prefix "tachy-" is derived from the Greek word "tachys," which means "swift" or "fast." It is commonly used to describe conditions or rates that are quicker than normal. For example, "tachycardia" refers to an elevated heart rate, indicating that the heart is beating faster than the typical range. This prefix is important in various medical contexts, providing essential information about the speed of physiological processes. The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of "tachy-." "Slow" would indicate a decreased rate, while "normal" suggests a standard or typical condition. "Irregular" pertains to variations or lack of consistency in a pattern, which is also unrelated to the concept of speed denoted by "tachy-." Thus, understanding this prefix is crucial for interpreting medical terms related to increased rates in the body.