Clinical Diagnosis · Multiple Systems · Easy

Hypokalaemia

Meaning: An abnormally low level of potassium in the blood, which can cause muscle weakness and arrhythmias.

In practice: Diuretic therapy caused hypokalaemia, with U waves on the ECG.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.

Which word means: Contagious skin infestation by a mite that burrows into the outer skin layer to lay eggs.

Which word means: A benign tumour of soft, jelly-like tissue that most commonly arises in the left atrium of the heart.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.