Paramedic National Registry Practice

What does the term 'para' refer to in obstetric terminology?

1. Number of pregnancies

2. Number of living children

3. Number of deliveries

4. Duration of pregnancy

The correct answer is: Number of deliveries

In obstetric terminology, the prefix 'para' refers specifically to the number of pregnancies that have resulted in viable offspring, which is typically indicated by the count of deliveries. This term is often used in conjunction with other prefixes to give a more complete picture of a woman's obstetric history, such as how many pregnancies they have had, how many live births, and any other relevant details. Understanding this term is crucial because it forms part of the shorthand used by healthcare providers to quickly convey complex information about a patient's reproductive history. For instance, a woman who has been pregnant twice and has given birth to one child would be described as "para 1," reflecting the delivery of one viable offspring. The other terms mentioned in the options refer to different aspects of obstetric history. The number of pregnancies is referenced with 'gravida,' which counts all pregnancies regardless of the outcome, while 'living children' refers to the 'living' status post-delivery rather than the act of delivery itself. Duration of pregnancy is a separate aspect measured in weeks of gestation, not through the 'para' classification.