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When patients call the office, they often use laypersons’ terms to describe a medical condition. Identify the appropriate medical term for each laypersons’ term. Record the answer in the blank provided.

(a) Conjunctivitis
(b) Gastritis
(c) Otitis media
(d) Urinary tract infection
(e) Pharyngitis
(f) Rhinorrhea
(g) Upper respiratory infection
(h) Hematuria
(i) Sutures
(j) Laceration
(k) Epistaxis

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Final answer:

The medical terms for conditions often described in laypersons' language include conjunctivitis for 'pinkeye', gastritis for 'upset stomach', otitis media for 'ear infection', and several others. Healthcare professionals must be adept at translating these common terms into their medical equivalents to provide effective patient care.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients often describe medical conditions using laypersons' terms that healthcare providers must translate into appropriate medical terminology. Below are some laypersons' terms paired with their corresponding medical terms:

  • Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, often referred to as 'pinkeye' by laypersons.
  • Gastritis: This medical term describes the inflammation of the stomach lining, which might be termed 'upset stomach' or 'stomach pain' in lay language.
  • Otitis media: This term refers to the inflammation of the middle ear, commonly known as an 'ear infection'.
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI is often described by laypersons as a 'bladder infection' or 'burning while urinating'.
  • Pharyngitis: This term is used medically for what is commonly called a 'sore throat'.
  • Rhinorrhea: This is the medical term for a condition more commonly known as a 'runny nose'.
  • Upper respiratory infection: Often referred to by laypersons as a 'chest cold' or simply a 'cold'.
  • Hematuria: The presence of blood in urine, which might be described by patients as 'blood in the urine' or 'bleeding when urinating'.
  • Sutures: These are the stitches used to close a wound, which might be referred to by patients as 'stitches'.
  • Laceration: A cut or tear in the skin, often simply described as a 'cut' by laypersons.
  • Epistaxis: The medical term for a 'nosebleed'.

Understanding these terms helps healthcare professionals bridge the gap in communication with their patients and provides accurate and professional assistance in the medical field.

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