FIRST UNIT

MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

WORD MEANING EXAMPLE:

abnormal not normal for the human body This amount of weight loss is abnormal for women
adj your age.

ache pain that won't go away I can't sleep because my knees a chein the night.
noun/verb

acute quick to become severe/bad We knew the baby was coming right away because
adj the woman's labour pains were acute.

allergy noun a body's abnormal reaction to certain foods or Your son is extremely allergic to peanuts.
allergic adj environmental substances (eg causes a rash)

ambulance emergency vehicle that rushes people to a hospital We called the ambulance when Josh stopped
noun breathing.

amnesia a condition that causes people to lose their memory I can't remember the accident because I
noun had amnesia.

amputation noun permanent removal of a limb We had to amputate his leg because the infection
amputate verb spread so quickly.

anaemia noun occurs when the body doesn't have enough red blood I have low energy because I am anaemic.
anaemic adj cells

antibiotics medication that kills bacteria and cures infections My throat infection went away after I started
noun the antibiotics.

anti-depressant medication that helps relieve anxiety and sadness The anti-depressants helped me get on with life after
noun Lucy died.

appointment a scheduled meeting with a medical professional I've made you an appointment with a specialist in
noun three week's time.

arthritis a disease that causes the joints to become swollen and My grandmother can't knit anymore because
noun crippled the arthritis in her hands is so bad.

asthma (attack) a condition that causes a blockage of the airway and I carry an inhaler when I run because I have asthma.
noun makes it difficult for a person to breathe

bacteria a disease-causing organism To prevent the spread of bacteria it is important that

noun nurses wash their hands often.

bedsore wounds that develop on a patient's body from lying in If you don't get up and take a walk, you will develop
noun one place for too long painful bedsores.

benign not harmful (not cancerous) We're hoping that the tests will show that the lump
adj in your breast is benign.

biopsy removal of human tissue in order to conduct certain The biopsy ruled out a number of illnesses.
noun medical tests

blood count the amount of red and white blood cells a person has You will be happy to know that your blood count is
noun almost back to normal.

blood donor a person who gives blood to a blood bank or other Blood donors have to answer questions about their
noun person medical history.

blood pressure the rate at which blood flows through the body High blood pressure puts you at risk of having a
noun (high/low) heart attack.

brace a device that holds injured body parts in place You will probably always have to wear a brace on

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

noun your ankle when you jog.

breech position of an unborn baby in which the feet are down We thought it was going to be a breech birth, but the
adj and the head is up baby turned himself around.

broken a bone that is divided in two or more pieces as a result We thought it was just a sprain, but it turned out his
adj of an injury leg was broken.

bruise noun injured body tissue that is visible underneath the skin The woman was badly bruised when she came into
bruised adj the emergency room.

Caesarean section, C- procedure that involves removing a baby from its The baby was so large that we had to perform
section mother through an incision in the woman's lower a Caesarean section.
noun abdomen

cancer disease caused by the uncontrollable growth of cells There are many different options when it comes to
noun treating cancer.

cardiopulmonary restoring a person's breath and circulation You saved your brother's life by performing CPR.
resuscitation (CPR)
noun

cast a hard bandage that is wrapped around a broken bone My leg was in a cast for graduation.
noun to keep it in place

chapel, chapeline a place where loved ones can go to pray for a patient's If you want a place to pray, the chapel is on the third
noun recovery; floor.
a priest who visits patients in the hospital

chemotherapy type of treatment used on cancer patients My mother has already had three rounds
noun of chemotherapy.

chickenpox a virus commonly contracted by children, characterized It is best to get chickenpox as a child so that you
noun by itchy spots all over the body don't get it worse as an adult.

coroner a person who determines the cause of death after a We only call the coroner if we think a death is
noun person dies suspicious.

critical condition requiring immediate and constant medical attention You can't see her right now; she's in critical
noun condition.

crutches objects that people with injured legs or feet use to help I'd rather hop on one foot than use crutches.
noun them walk

cyst a sac in the body-tissue filled with fluid (sometimes We're going to remove the cysts just to be on the
noun diseased) safe side.

deaf unable to hear The accident left the patient both deaf and blind.
adj

deficiency a lack of something necessary for one's health The tests show that you have an iron deficiency.
noun

dehydrated in need of water It is easy for the elderly to become dehydrated in this
adj heat.

dementia loss of mental capacity It is hard to watch a loved one suffering

noun with dementia.

diabetes type of disease typically involving insulin deficiency People with diabetes have to constantly check their
noun blood sugar levels.

diagnosis medical explanation of an illness or condition The doctor would prefer to share the diagnosis with

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

noun the patient himself.

discomfort experiencing pain This pain medication should relieve some of

noun your discomfort.

disease a medical disorder that is harmful to a person's health I understand that this disease runs in your family.
noun

dislocated when a bone is temporarily separated from its joint You will have to wear a sling because of
adj your dislocated shoulder.

emergency a medical problem that needs immediate attention It is important that children know which number to
noun dial in case of an emergency.

ER (emergency room) the hospital room used for treating patients with The child was rushed into the ER after he had a
noun immediate and life-threatening injuries severe allergic reaction to a bee sting.

external on the outside This cream is for external use only. Do not get it near
adj your ears, eyes, or mouth.

false negative a test that incorrectly comes back negative We had two false negative pregnancy tests, so we
noun didn't know we were having a baby.
adj

family history medical background of a person's family members The doctor was concerned about my family
noun history of skin cancer.

fatal causing death The doctor made a fatal error when he wrote the
adj wrong prescription.

fever noun higher than normal body temperature He is very feverish, and his temperature is near
feverish adj danger point.

flu (influenza) many types of respiratory or intestinal infections People who have the flu should not visit hospital
noun passed on through a virus patients.

fracture noun broken or cracked bone Your wrist is fractured and needs a cast.
fractured adj

germ a micro-organism, especially one that causes disease Flowers are not allowed in the ward to avoid the risk
noun of germs being brought in.

genetic a medical condition or physical feature that is passed The disease is part genetic and part environmental.
adj on in the family

growth a ball of tissue that grows bigger than normal, either on That growth on your shoulder is starting to worry
noun or under the skin me.

heart attack instance in which blood stops pumping through the People who smoke are at greater risk of having
noun heart a heart attack.

HIV the virus that infects the human T-cells and leads to HIV can be passed down from the mother to her
noun AIDS fetus.

hives bumps that appear on the surface of the skin during an I broke out in hives after I ate that potato casserole.
noun allergic reaction

illness noun general term for any condition that makes a person feel Her illness went away when she started eating
ill adj sick for a certain period of time better.

immune system the parts of the body that fight diseases, infections, and You can't have visitors because your immune
noun viruses system is low.

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

immunizationnoun an injection that protects against a specific disease Babies are immunized three times in their first year.
immunize verb

incision cut in the body made during surgery I had to have stitches to close the incision.
noun

inconclusive unclear We have to do more x-rays because the first ones

adj were inconclusive.

infant young baby The nurse will demonstrate how to bathe an infant.
noun

infection noun diseased area of the body (viral or bacterial) The wound should be covered when you swim to
infected adj prevent it from becoming infected.

inflamed appearance (red and swollen) of an injured body part My right ankle was so inflamed it was twice the size
adj of my left one.

injury damage to the body Her injuries were minor; just a few cuts and bruises.
noun

intensive care unit (ICU) section of the hospital where patients get constant She will remain in the ICU until she can breathe on
noun attention and doctors rely on specialized equipment her own.

internal under the skin, inside the organs The doctors will be monitoring her for
adj any internal bleeding.

itchy feeling discomfort on the skin's surface If you are allergic to this medication your skin will
adj get red and itchy.

IV a tube that pumps liquids and medication into a The toddler was so dehydrated that the doctor
noun patient's body decided to get him on an IV.

lab results tests that come back from a laboratory and help The lab results have come in and you are free to go
noun doctors make a diagnosis home.

lab (laboratory) place where samples of blood/urine etc. are taken for I'll take these samples down to the lab on my way
noun testing out.

life support a machine that keeps patients alive by helping them The woman has severe brain damage and is currently
noun breathe on life support.

life-threatening when injuries and conditions are extremely serious The victim was shot in two places but the bullet
adj wounds are not life-threatening.

light-headed feeling of dizziness and being off-balance, caused by If you are feeling light-headed again, lie down and
adj lack of oxygen in the brain call me.

malignant expected to grow and get much worse (especially I'm afraid at least one of the tumours is malignant.
adj related to cancerous cells)

medical school (med. place where someone trains to be a doctor After eight years of medical school I can finally
school) practice medicine.
noun

newborn an infant that is less than three months old You have to support her neck because she is still
noun a newborn.

numb no feeling in a certain body part The needle will make your lower body feel numb.
adj

OR (operating room) the place where major surgeries and operations take You must wear a face mask and gloves while you are
noun place in the OR.

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FIRST UNIT
MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

operation noun a medical procedure that involves going inside a The operation lasted seven hours, but it was
operate on verb person's body in an attempt to fix a problem successful.

pain strong discomfort in certain areas of the body We gave your husband some medicine to relieve
noun some of the pain.

pain killer, pain reliever type of medicine that takes away some or all of the You can take two pain killers every four hours.
noun discomfort of an illness or injury

paralyzed unable to move certain areas of the body We thought her legs were paralyzed for life, but she
adj is learning how to walk.

patient a person staying in a hospital or medical facility The patients in Room 4 are not getting along.
noun

pharmacist a person who fills a doctor's prescription and gives Ask the pharmacist if there is a generic brand of this
noun people advice about medication medication.

pharmacy, drugstore a place where people go to buy medication and other You should be able to buy a bandage at
noun medical supplies the pharmacy.

physician doctor Ask your family physician to refer you to a specialist.

noun

poison noun a substance that is very dangerous if it enters the The child was bitten by a poisonous snake.
poisonous adj human body

prenatal of the time period leading up to giving birth The woman was well prepared for labour because
adj she took the prenatal classes.

prescriptionnoun the correct amount and type of medication needed to You will need to visit your doctor to get
prescribe verb cure an illness or relieve symptoms another prescription.

privacy noun being alone; personal (eg test results) You will have to pay for a private hospital room if
private adj you don't want a room-mate.

radiation high energy X-rays that destroy cancer cells If the radiation doesn't kill all of the abnormal cells,
noun the cancer will come back.

residency part of a doctor's training that takes place in the John is a resident under Dr Brown.
resident hospital;
noun a student working under a doctor

routine check-up a doctor's appointment to check a person's general I'd like to see you a year from now for a routine
noun health check-up.

scrubs plain uniform (usually green, white, or blue) worn by I have some extra scrubs in my locker.
noun medical professionals

scrub up carefully wash hands before and after seeing a patient I have to scrub up and get ready for surgery.
verb

second opinion input from a second doctor about an illness or I went to another doctor to get a second
noun symptom opinion about these headaches.

seizure sudden violent movements or unconsciousness caused People who suffer from epilepsy are prone
noun by electrical signal malfunction in the brain to seizures.

shock body not getting enough blood flow The woman was in shock after being pulled from the
noun river.

side effects other symptoms that might occur as a result of a One of the side effects of antidepressants is a loss of
noun certain medication or procedure appetite.

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FIRST UNIT
MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

sore painful I have a sore throat and a runny nose.

adj

spasm the uncontrollable tightening of a muscle Ever since I injured my leg I've been having
noun muscle spasms in my upper thigh.

specialist a doctor that is an expert in a certain kind of medicine My family doctor is sending me to a specialist.
noun

sprain an injury (less serious than a break) to a joint (ankle, I sprained my knee playing soccer.
noun/verb wrist, knee etc)

stable condition a patient is stable if their medical condition is no longer You can see your husband now; he is in a stable
noun changing rapidly condition.

sting sharp, temporary pain It may sting when I insert the needle.
noun/verb

stress noun worry that causes muscles to tighten and blood You need to take some time off work and relieve
stressed adj pressure to rise some of your stress.

swelling noun ligaments (parts that hold the joints together) growing I knew my ankle was sprained because it was
swollen adj bigger and rounder after an injury to a joint so swollen.

symptoms pain or physical changes that occur because of an You have all of the symptoms of a diabetic.
noun illness or disease

temperature amount of heat measured in a body; higher than normal We brought Jesse to emergency because he was
noun temperature running a (high)temperature.

tender painful when touched or used The incision was tender after the surgery.
adj

test results medical information that helps doctors understand a The test results came back negative. You aren't
noun patient's condition or body pregnant.

therapy treatment aimed at improving a person's mental or I was able to go back to work a few weeks after
noun physical condition starting the therapy.

transplant moving of an organ from one human to another The heart transplant saved your life.
noun

ultrasound a test that examines the body's internal organs and The ultrasound shows that we are expecting a baby
noun processes using sound waves (often used during boy.
pregnancies)

umbilical cord the lifeline from the mother to the fetus (when cut at I had an emergency C-section because the umbilical
noun birth this forms the belly button) cord was wrapped around the baby's neck.

unconscious alive, but appearing to be asleep and unaware of the I hit my head on the steering wheel and was
adj surroundings still unconscious when the ambulance arrived.

urine sample a small amount of the body's liquid waste that is tested The urine sample tells us how much alcohol is in your
noun for different medical reasons blood.

vein the thin tubes that transport blood around the body I'm just looking for the best vein in which to insert
noun and back to the heart the needle.

virus a dangerous organism that causes the spread of minor The virus is contractable through the exchange of
noun and major diseases bodily fluids.

visiting hours time of day when friends and family are allowed to visit I'm afraid you'll have to come back during visiting
noun patients in hospital hours.

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

vomit discharge of a person stomach contents through the The pregnant woman can't stop vomiting.
noun/verb mouth

ward a section of a hospital or health facility where patients I should warn you that we're entering the mental
noun stay health ward.

wheelchair a chair on wheels used for transporting patients from If you get in the wheelchair I'll take you down to see
noun place to place the garden.

wound noun injury to body ("flesh wound" means not deep) The wounded soldiers are being airlifted to the
wounded adj hospital.

x-ray a photograph of a person's bones and organs The technician took x-rays of my shoulder to make
noun/verb sure it wasn't broken.

VOCABULARY QUIZ

1 You shouldn't drive because this medicine might make you feel____________________.

2 The children's ___________________________is located on the fourth floor of the hospital.

3 Discontinue using this cream immediately if it makes you feel ____________________.

4 Your blood count is abnormal, so you may have____________________________________.

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TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

5 The doctor wrote me a ____________________________________for a new type of pain reliever.

6 _____________________________from this medication include nausea and depression.

7 The _________________________________suggests that your wife is seventeen weeks pregnant.

8 The patient has asked for some ___________________________________while her family is visiting.

The physician will be monitoring your ____________________________to make sure it isn't

9
cancerous.

You couldn't have inherited the disease because it is

10
not______________________________________.

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FIRST UNIT
MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Human Body
One of the first things you need to know when working in English is the parts of the body. You will need to learn
the names of the internal (inside the skin) and external body parts. You will also need to learn the words for the
functions of each of these body parts. Here are the basics to get you started.

Head

Inside the head is the brain, which is responsible for thinking. The top of a person's scalp is covered with
hair. Beneath the hairline at the front of the face is the forehead. Underneath the forehead are the eyes
for seeing, the nose for smelling, and the mouth for eating. On the outside of the mouth are the lips, and
on the inside of the mouth are the teeth for biting and the tongue for tasting. Food is swallowed down the throat.
At the sides of the face are the cheeks and at the sides of the head are the ears for hearing. At the bottom of a
person's face is the chin. The jaw is located on the inside of the cheeks and chin. The neck is what attaches the
head to the upper body.

Upper Body

At the top and front of the upper body, just below the neck is the collar bone. On the front side
of the upper body is the chest, which in women includes the breasts. Babies suck on the nipples
of their mother's breasts. Beneath the ribcage are the stomach and the waist. The navel, more
commonly referred to as the belly button, is located here as well. On the inside of the upper body
are the heart for pumping blood and the lungs for breathing. The rear side of the upper body is called the back,
inside which the spine connects the upper body to the lower body.

Upper Limbs (arms)

The arms are attached to the shoulders. Beneath this area is called the armpit or underarm. The
upper arms have the muscles known as triceps and biceps. The joint halfway down the arm is called
the elbow. Between the elbow and the next joint, the wrist, is the forearm. Below the wrist is the
hand with four fingers and one thumb. Beside the thumb is the index finger. Beside the index
finger is the middle finger, followed by the ring finger and the little finger. At the ends of the
fingers are fingernails.

Lower Body

Below the waist, on left and right, are the hips. Between the hips are the reproductive organs, the
penis (male) or the vagina (female). At the back of the lower body are the buttocks for sitting on.
They are also commonly referred to as the rear end or the bum (especially with children). The internal organs in
the lower body include the intestines for digesting food, the bladder for holding liquid waste, as well as the liver
and the kidneys. This area also contains the woman's uterus, which holds a baby when a woman is
pregnant.

Lower Limbs (legs)

The top of the leg is called the thigh, and the joint in the middle of the leg is the knee. The front of the
lower leg is the shin and the back of the lower leg is the calf. The ankle connects the foot to the leg.
Each foot has five toes. The smallest toe is often called the little toe while the large one is called the
big toe. At the ends of the toes are toenails.

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Human Body Quiz

1 Your tonsils can get swollen when you have a sore_________________________________.

2 The ________________________________________is located in the middle of the arm.

3 My Dad's little _______________________________________was lost in the accident.

4 The patient lost so much weight his ___________________________were sunken in.

5 We'll put a cool cloth on your ____________________________to get your fever down.

6 Another word for belly button is__________________________________________.

7 The newborn is getting his ___________________________changed in the nursery.

8 She may never walk again because her _____________________was so badly injured.

9 The ____________________________on his knee was scraped off when he hit the road.

10 Your grandfather will be able to walk better after his __________________surgery.

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FIRST UNIT
MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Medical Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of some of the most common supplies found in doctor's offices, operating rooms, and medical kits.
Study the vocabulary and try the matching exercise.

antiseptic liquid used to sterilize (clean) the surface of the skin

bandage a cloth covering that is placed over a wound to prevent bleeding, swelling and infection

bandage scissors tool used to cut bandages

blood pressure
a tool that measures the force of blood flow through a person's body
monitor

dressing protective covering that is placed over a wound

elastic tape a thin roll of stretchy material that is sticky on one side

a poster of letter, word, and number combinations of various sizes used to test a person's
eye chart
eyesight

instrument used during operations and medical procedures (assists the doctor in pulling,
forceps
holding, and retrieving)

gauze thin, netted material used for dressing wounds

sharp pointed metal piece that pricks the skin (attached to a syringe), used for taking
hypodermic needle
blood or administering medicine

IV bag the pouch that contains liquids to be pumped into a patient's body

medicine cup small plastic measuring cup

microscope equipment that makes small things appear larger than they are

otoscope a device used for looking into a patient's ears

oxygen mask equipment that fits over the nose and mouth and supplies oxygen

privacy screen an object that is used to separate the doctor and patient from others in an open room

scales a device that measures a person's weight

stethoscope equipment for listening to a person's heart and lungs

syringe a cylinder-shaped piece that attaches to a needle and can be filled with liquid

table and head-rest

paper that is placed on an examining table or head-rest to prevent the spread of germs
paper

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glass cylinder that is filled with blood or other liquids and can be capped and placed in a
test tube
storage area

thermometer an instrument used to check a person's body temperature

vial a small bottle or container used for storing liquids

Matching Exercise
Match the comments with the supplies that are needed:

1 I can't catch my breath. a table and head-rest paper

2 Prepare the examining table for the next patient. b thermometer
3 We'll have to get a blood sample. c oxygen mask
4 I need to sterilize the wound. d hypodermic needle
5 We'll have to feed him with liquids. e bandage scissors
6 Let's find out your weight. f scales
7 I need to examine the patient in private. g eye chart
8 Let's check your vision. h antiseptic
9 Let's see if you are running a fever. i IV bag
10 Can you cut this gauze for me? j privacy screen

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FIRST UNIT
MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Medical Specialists
Medical specialists are experts in certain fields of medicine. They either treat specific parts of the body, such as the back or the
brain, or they specialize in certain diseases, such as cancer. Family doctors keep a list of local specialists and can help patients
choose the right specialist for each medical issue. In many cases specialists require a referral from a family doctor before they
will see a patient. Here is a list of the most common types of specialists. Study the list and then check your understanding by
taking the quiz.

allergist: specializes in determining food and environmental allergies

anesthesiologist: specializes in pain prevention during surgery
cardiologist: heart specialist
chiropractor: back specialist
dentist: tooth specialist
dermatologist: skin specialist
fertility specialist: helps people who have difficulty getting pregnant
gynecologist: specializes in women's needs
massage therapist: specializes in muscle relaxation
midwife: helps women deliver babies in a natural way
naturopath: specializes in natural cures and remedies
neurologist: brain specialist
obstetrician: specialist for pregnant women
occupational therapist: specializes in workplace health
oncologist: tumour specialist, including cancer
ophthalmologist: specializes in eye diseases
pediatrician: specialist for babies and children
physical therapist: specializes in the body's movement
podiatrist: foot specialist
psychiatrist: specialist in mental health
radiologist: specializes in imaging tests

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Name:_____________________________________________________Date____________Result:________________

Referral Quiz
Read the patient complaints. Which specialist does each patient need?

1. I have a terrible rash on my arms and legs. I think I'm allergic to dairy food, but it also might be grass.
_______________________________________________

2. My husband and I just took a home pregnancy test, and it came out positive. We want to know when we are due and
we want to make sure the fetus is healthy.
________________________________________________

3. I still can't walk and it's been three months since my accident. I hate being stuck in a wheelchair.
__________________________________________________

4. The test results show that I have an advanced form of blood cancer.
__________________________________________________

5. My left eye has an infection that won't go away and my vision has been blurry for two weeks now.
____________________________________________________

6. I don't want to take any drugs that will cause me to become addicted to them, but I do need some sort of pain relief.
_____________________________________________________

7. I've been having major chest pains this week. I'm also having trouble breathing.
_______________________________________________________

8. I get terrible acne and I have tried all of the products in the pharmacy. I don't know what to do now.
______________________________________________________________

9. My baby is not developing properly. She hasn't put on any weight in two months and she keeps getting ear
infections.
___________________________________________________

10. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for three years. We have tried everything that the books suggest.
______________________________________________________

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MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Doctor's Diagnosis
Physician

 Your test results have come in.

 I'm afraid the prognosis isn't good.
 You have a long road to recovery.
 We have several options to discuss.
 The blood test came back negative.
 The transfusion was a success.
 It looks like you're ready to go home.
 I'd like to keep you here over night.
 We'll know more in a few days.
 You're not in the clear yet.
 We've ruled out diabetes.
 I'm hoping to get to the bottom of this soon.

Patient

 I don't understand what this means.

 Am I going to need surgery?
 Is it good news or bad?
 When will the tests results come in?
 How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
 What is the success rate?
 Are they going to run more tests?
 Is this a common problem for people my age?
 I'd like to discuss other options.
 I'm going to get a second opinion.

Sample Conversation

Doctor: Hi Jessica. How are you feeling today?

Patient: A bit better.
Doctor: That's good to hear. Are you still feeling nauseous?
Patient: No, I haven't felt sick to my stomach since you switched my medication.
Doctor: Great. Say, your test results came in this morning.
Patient: It's about time. Is it good news or bad?
Doctor: I guess it's a bit of both. Which do you want first?
Patient: Let's get the bad news over with.
Okay. It looks like you're going to need surgery to remove the tumour from your leg. After the operation
Doctor:
you're going to have to stay off your feet for at least three weeks. That means no soccer.

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FIRST UNIT
MEDICAL VOCABULARY
TEACHER EMILY GONZALEZ

Patient: I was afraid you were going to say that.

Now for the good news. The biopsy shows that the tumour is benign, which means it's not cancerous.
Doctor:
We're going to take it out anyway just to be on the safe side.
Patient: Wow, that's a load off my mind. Thanks Doctor.
Doctor: Don't get too excited. We still need to get to the bottom of all of this weight loss.
Patient: I've probably just been so worried about this stupid lump.
These things often are stress related, but we're still going to do a few blood tests just to rule a few things
Doctor:
out.
Patient: Things like what? Cancer?
Doctor: Actually, I'm thinking more along the lines of a food allergy.

Check your understanding

Why did the woman have to switch medication?

What bad news does the doctor give the patient?

What medical procedure did the patient already undergo?

Visiting Hours
Part of being a nurse, involves dealing with the people who are close to your patients. When a patient is staying in a
hospital or other health facility, it is often necessary to welcome, monitor, and inform visitors on a daily basis. In
many cases you may form stronger relationships with the patients' visitors than the patients themselves. Depending
on the condition of the patient, certain loved ones will be allowed to visit, while others will not. It is a difficult time
for people who have loved ones in the hospital. Showing them compassion and explaining the rules is much easier if
you have the necessary English skills.

Study the different people that may come to visit the patient. Then read some typical concerns and questions that
visitors may have, and some appropriate responses that you may be able to give them.

Immediate family

Mother and Father (patient's parents)

Husband or Wife (the man or woman the patient is married to)
Son and Daughter (children of the patient, boy and girl)
Brother and Sister/siblings (other children of the patient's parents)

Extended family

Grandmother and Grandfather (mother and father of patient's parents)

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Aunt and Uncle (brother and sister of patient's parents)

Niece and Nephew (girl and boy child of patient's siblings)
Cousins (children of patient's aunt or uncle)

Friends and other loved ones

Best friend (patient's closest friend)

Room-mate (a person the patient lives with)
Neighbour (a friend who lives near the patient)
Co-worker (a person who works with the patient)
Boyfriend or Girlfriend (the man or woman the patient loves/dates)
Fiancé (the man or woman the patient is engaged to marry)

Questions and Concerns of Loved Ones

 We're Michael's grandparents.

 Could you tell me which room Mrs Smythe is in?
 Is my child going to be okay?
 When can we speak with the doctor?
 What time are visiting hours?
 I'm trying to locate my sister. (I'm trying to find my sister's room.)
 Is there anything you can do to make him more comfortable.
 My child would like something to drink.
 Is there somewhere I can lie down for a while.
 Could you tell me where the chapel is?
 Please tell her to get well soon.

Questions and Responses from Nurses

 What is your relation to Jessica?

 You'll have to come back during visiting hours.
 Ms Lee is too tired for visitors.
 Room 7 is down the hall to your right.
 I'll give you two some privacy now.
 Does your daughter need anything?
 I'm afraid she's not having a very good day today.
 We do the best we can around here.
 There's a quiet room for families down the hall.
 The doctor would like to have a word with you. (The doctor wants to speak to you.)
 She's doing much better this morning.
 He's in isolation because of the transplant.
 We had to transfer your mother-in-law to the ICU.
 It's in your brother's best interest.

Sample Conversation

Nurse: I'm afraid visiting hours are over, sir

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Visitor: My wife's in room 3B.

Nurse: Sorry, you'll have to come back in the morning.
Visitor: And leave her all alone overnight?
Nurse: I'm afraid that's the policy, sir.
Visitor: Surely you can make an exception? What if she needs me in the night?
Nurse: Don't worry, we'll look after her. What she really needs is her rest.
Visitor: Some of her friends want to see her too. When can they come?
Visiting hours are from 9 to 11 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the evening, but I'm afraid while your wife is on
Nurse:
bedrest the doctor has requested that only immediate family members come in to see her.
Visitor: Can't her friends even stop by to bring her flowers?
Nurse: Flowers are not permitted in this ward. We just can't risk any germs that might come in with them.
Visitor: Well, I guess it's all in her best interest.
Thanks for understanding. Now, I'm going to bring your wife her dinner. Why don't you head home and
Nurse:
get something to eat yourself?
Visitor: Okay. I really hate to leave her, but that's probably a good idea.
Nurse: She's in good hands here. I'll tell her you were here and that you'll see her in the morning.

Check your understanding

What is the man's relation to the patient?

Why does the nurse send the man away?

The nurse thanks the man because...

Booking a Doctor's Appointment

Patient

 I need to make an appointment.

 I need to see the doctor.
 When is the doctor free?
 I need to renew my prescription.
 Do you think the doctor could squeeze us in today?
 I need to make an appointment for my husband.
 My child needs to come in for a check-up.
 The doctor wants to see me again in two week's time.

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Receptionist

 What is your chart number?

 What is the appointment regarding?
 Which day/what time is good for you?
 Is January the 3rd okay with you?
 How does four o'clock sound?
 We'll see you then.
 I'm sorry the doctor is not taking new patients.
 We'll call you if there are any cancellations.
 We're running an hour behind schedule.
 Dr Jones is away. You'll be seeing Dr Lindsay.

Sample Conversation

Receptionist: Doctor's office. Jane speaking. How can I help you?

Caller: I need to make an appointment with Dr. Harris.
Receptionist: Do you know your chart number?
Caller: No, sorry. It's at home and I'm at work right now.
Receptionist: No problem. What's your name, please?
Caller: George Mason.
Receptionist: Okay Mr Mason. Hold one moment while I grab your chart, please.
Caller: Sure.
Receptionist: Thanks for waiting. Now, what do you need to see the doctor about?
Well, I've been fighting a cold for more than a week, and I think I might have a chest infection or
Caller:
something. My cough is getting worse each day.
Receptionist: Hmm. Doctor Harris is off tomorrow. Do you think it can wait until Wednesday?
Oh, I was really hoping to get in today or tomorrow in case I need some antibiotics. Maybe I'll have
Caller:
to go to the walk-in-clinic instead.
Receptionist: Actually, we had a cancellation for 2:00pm today if you can get away from the office.
Caller: Gee, it's almost 1:00pm already. I think I can make it if I leave right now.
Receptionist: We're running a bit behind schedule, so you can probably count on seeing the doctor around 2:30.
Caller: That's great. Thanks for fitting me in.
Receptionist: No problem, Mr. Mason. We'll see you in an hour or so.

Check your understanding

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Why does the caller phone the doctor's office?

Which is true about George Mason?

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