HOSA Medical Terminology Practice Test

The prefix that indicates a negative condition is "dys-." This prefix is derived from the Greek word "dys," meaning bad, difficult, or abnormal. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe conditions that are impaired or dysfunctional. For instance, "dysfunction" refers to the abnormal or impaired function of an organ or system in the body.

In contrast, "hyper-" indicates an excess or increased condition, as seen in terms like "hypertension," which refers to high blood pressure. "Post-" denotes something that occurs after an event, such as "postoperative," relating to the time following a surgical operation. Lastly, "eu-" signifies a good or normal condition, as in "euthanasia," which means a good or merciful death. Understanding these prefixes helps in recognizing and interpreting various medical terms.