Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What function does the suffix -sis serve in medical terminology?

1. Indicates inflammation

2. Identifies a tumor or mass swelling

3. Describes a state of or condition

4. Indicates a disease condition

The correct answer is: Describes a state of or condition

The suffix -sis in medical terminology is utilized to convey a state of or condition. It originates from Greek, meaning "a process" or "a state of being." This means that when -sis is added to a root word, it characterizes a specific condition related to the root word, effectively providing a broader context regarding the patient's health status. For instance, in terms like "neurosis" (a condition affecting the mind) or "sclerosis" (a hardening condition of tissues), the suffix helps describe the nature or state of the ailment rather than simply indicating pathology or a specific disease. This distinction is essential for understanding medical documentation, as it allows healthcare professionals to convey detailed information about a patient's condition succinctly. Other options refer to different aspects of medical terminology: inflammation typically involves the suffix -itis, tumors might use -oma, and disease conditions are often indicated with the suffix -pathy or similar terms. These are distinct from the broader state or condition implied by -sis.