Which term includes the prefix that means painful?
A aphonia
B rhinorrhea
C laryngospasm
D dyspnea
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D) dyspnea.
The prefix that means “painful” is “dys-“, which is found in the term “dyspnea.” This prefix indicates something that is difficult or painful. “Dyspnea” refers to difficult or labored breathing, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, such as when someone is short of breath due to a respiratory condition.
Here’s a breakdown of the other options:
- A) aphonia: The prefix “a-” means “without” or “lack of,” and “phonia” comes from the Greek word “phone,” meaning sound or voice. So, “aphonia” means loss of voice, not painful.
- B) rhinorrhea: The prefix “rhino-” means “nose,” and “rrhea” comes from the Greek word “rhein,” meaning flow or discharge. Thus, “rhinorrhea” refers to excessive nasal discharge or runny nose, not pain.
- C) laryngospasm: The prefix “laryngo-” refers to the larynx (voice box), and “spasm” refers to an involuntary contraction. “Laryngospasm” is the sudden and involuntary tightening of the muscles around the larynx, often causing difficulty breathing. However, it does not specifically include the prefix meaning “painful.”
In summary, “dyspnea” is the correct term because the “dys-” prefix refers to difficulty or pain, which aligns with the definition of painful or difficult breathing.