American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Academy of Professional Coders exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your coding skills and knowledge. Ideal for aspiring medical coders looking to succeed in the certification process.

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Which prefix means "through" or "complete" in a medical context?

Ad-
Per-
Ante-
Mon/o

The correct answer is: Per-

The prefix that means "through" or "complete" in a medical context is found in the choice that best corresponds to this meaning, which is derived from Latin. The prefix "per-" signifies a sense of being thorough or complete, as seen in terms like "permeate," implying movement through a substance completely. In medical terminology, "per-" can help describe processes that are exhaustive or inclusive. The other prefixes convey different meanings; "ad-" typically indicates movement toward or in the direction of something, "ante-" refers to something that comes before or in front of, and "mon/o" denotes a singular or one aspect, which does not align with the definition of "through" or "complete." Thus, the context and origin of the prefix "per-" clearly define its role in medical terms, emphasizing thoroughness and completeness.