CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

Which prefix means 'above' or 'excessive'?

1. Hypo-

2. Hyper-

3. Hyster-

4. In-

The correct answer is: Hyper-

The prefix that means "above" or "excessive" is "hyper-." This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to describe conditions that involve an excess or an elevated level of something. For instance, "hypertension" refers to high blood pressure, while "hyperglycemia" refers to elevated levels of glucose in the blood. In contrast, the other prefixes have different meanings. "Hypo-" means "below" or "deficient," which is often used to describe conditions where there is a lack or reduced level of something, such as "hypoglycemia," indicating low blood sugar. "Hyster-" typically relates to the uterus (hysterectomy, for example), while "in-" is a prefix that often signifies negation or the opposite, such as "incomplete," meaning not complete. Understanding these prefixes helps in interpreting various medical terms and conditions accurately.