The exam is comprised of 10% of Basic ENT knowledge or 15 questions based in the following areas:

A. Knowledge of basic otolaryngology terminology

B. Familiarity with basic otolaryngology procedures and protocols

C. Familiarity with basic otolaryngology instruments

D. Knowledge about otolaryngology practice triage

E. Familiarity with customary otolaryngology patient services

F. Anatomy

G. Pharmacology relevant to otolaryngology

So where do you start?  So first of all the Otolaryngology Resource Manual is helpful and Section 1 deals with Basic ENT Knowledge. 

This morning we are going to focus on basic ENT terminology

I always found medical terminology to be interesting because if you can break down the prefixes, roots, and suffixes you can figure out what a medical term means even if you aren’t a clinical person.

So lets start mastering some terminology.

-ectomy   is a suffix meaning to cut out or remove

So if you add –ectomy to laryng(o) for laryngectomy,  what does that mean?  

To remove the larynx

-rhea means to flow or a discharge

If you add rhea onto rhino for rhinorrhea ,  what does that mean?   Nasal discharge

-oma means a tumor, and if you add carcin(o) which means cancerous to get carcinoma then it means a cancerous tumor

Oto means ear so otorhea would mean what? 

Ear drainage

See how easy it becomes?

Some people think this is easy and some think it is difficult.   If you find it easy, good for you and move on

What is an adenoidectomy?

Removal of the adenoids

Another suffix to know is –itis  which means inflammation

So then tonsillitis  is inflammation of the tonsils

Epiglottitis would be what?

Of course, inflammation of the epiglottis

Which can take me to epi- is a prefix meaning on, above or on top of

So where is the epiglottis?

On top of the glottis or the glottis is the middle part of the larynx where the vocal cords are.

Okay, you get the picture so study a few ENT words and see if you can figure them out by breaking them apart.

For example:,

1) For seasonal allergies, are antihistamines normally prescribed or do we use antibiotics?

2) What do you tell patients to do when they are in airway distress?

3) What is the most frequent type of head and neck cancer?

Don't fret if you don't know the answers, but we do want you to have a basic understanding of ENT as a core competency but we don't expect you to have a medical degree! 

Remember the test is 100% multiple choice so the correct answer will always be there. You will be trying to obtain the BEST answer for each question and you aren't penalized for answering. Okay so the answers from above are:

1) antihistamines

2) CALL 911

3) squamous cell carcinoma

This is just a sample of types of questions you may have.  However, they will all be multiple choice and you are choosing the BEST answer!

Read section one  and then let us know your questions. We are here to help and discuss and who knows we may all learn something along the way. Happy reviewing!!!!! By the way, did you know that this is how many online courses work now? Postings questions and answers and discussing them. Before you know it, you'll want to sign up to go back to school! 

 http://www.entnet.org/sites/default/files/Oto-Primary-Care-WEB.pdf

This is used for primary care and medical students.

Here is a question for you.

What body part does epistaxis originate from?

a)     Ears

b)     Nose

c)     Throat

d)     Neck

Answer:  Nose

What is otitis media?

a)      Inflammation of the middle ear space

b)      Inflammation around the nares

c)      Inflammation of the larynx

d)      Inflammation around the tonsil

Okay, did you get the correct answer?  I hope so….it is a   oto- meaning ear, right

So if a doctor is evaluating ears and hearing in the office, what instrument is NOT normally used?

1)      Laryngoscope

2)      Microscope

3)      Tuning fork

4)      Audiometry

Answer:  Laryngoscope

A common cause of nasal obstruction that is easily corrected by surgery is a _____________.

Answer:  Deviated septum

The most serious adverse reaction to allergy skin testing or allergy therapy is __________.

Answer:  Anaphylaxis

Remember if you have questions, don't be shy!

Maybe some previous examinees will talk about their experience?!?

Steroids are often used to

a)      Shrink inflammation

b)      Prevent bleeding

c)      Faster wound healing

d)      Treat infection

Answer A

The trachea is also known as

a)      The thyroid

b)      The windpipe

c)      The salivary gland

d)      The carotid

Answer B

What is a UPPP?

a)      Surgery for a cancer of the head and neck

b)      Injections for allergies

c)      Injections for testing of allergies

d)      Surgery for the treatment of sleep apnea

Answer D

Do you know the common abbreviations used in the medical record and around the office?

AD right ear (auris dexter)

AS left ear (auris sinister) b.i.d twice a day (bis in die)

CC chief complaint

h.s. at bedtime

PH past history

Pt patient

WNL within normal limits

Tx or Rx treatment

Hx history

Cx culture

SOAP Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan

What about the common instruments used in ENT?

-rigid scope

-flexible scope

-otoscope

-alligators

-myringotomy knife

Do you know why they do a balloon sinuplasty?

Now, don't think that because we are discussing these things that this is exactly what will be on the test because you will definitely be disappointed. We want you to think about the concepts presented and other things within the basic ent knowledge core competency that you should probably know about.

Don't forget to review the basic anatomy as well.

You won't need to know to the level of your physician, but you probably want to know that an ethmoid is a sinus and not in the larynx. Make sense? 

Let me know if you have questions

Now onward to Finance.  DO NOT let it intimidate you as this is the one area that worries most examinees.   We will present some solid concepts and look at this as a way to increase your learning or be a review of what you know.   Happy studying.