Vocabulary:
Medical Vocabulary for Nurses
Antibiotic"The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to help reduce the infection."
Inflammation"The patient’s inflammation seemed to decrease after applying the ice pack."
Intravenous"The medication was administered intravenously to ensure rapid absorption."
Vital signs"Before the procedure, I checked the patient’s vital signs to confirm stability."
Hypertension"Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of heart disease."
Diagnosis"After examining the test results, the doctor confirmed the diagnosis."
Procedure"During the procedure, I monitored the patient’s heart rate closely."
Symptoms"The symptoms included fever, chills, and difficulty breathing."
Sterilize"It’s essential to sterilize the equipment before each use."
Anesthesia"The patient was given anesthesia before surgery to block any pain."
General Medical and Healthcare Vocabulary
Assessment"A thorough assessment helps us understand the patient’s needs better."
Palliative"Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms rather than curing the illness."
Prognosis"The prognosis depends on several factors, including lifestyle and medical history."
Rehabilitation"The patient will require rehabilitation to regain full mobility."
Chronic"Chronic conditions require long-term treatment and management."
Acute"Acute pain can be severe but is usually short-lived."
Dosage"The medication’s dosage must be followed precisely to avoid side effects."
Discharge"Once stable, the patient will be ready for discharge with at-home care instructions."
Contagious"Certain diseases are highly contagious and require isolation."
Non-invasive"The procedure was non-invasive, so recovery time was shorter."
Patient Communication Vocabulary
Compliance"Patient compliance with treatment is crucial for a successful outcome."
Consultation"A consultation with the specialist was arranged to discuss further options."
Preventative"Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important preventative measures."
Diagnosis"A clear diagnosis helps in choosing the right treatment."
Recovery"The recovery process may take several weeks, depending on the patient’s condition."
Here are three realistic role-play scenarios for a nurse to use in patient interactions. Each scenario addresses a different type of patient need or question you might encounter.
Scenario 1: Patient Concerns About Medication Side Effects
Background: A patient has come in for a follow-up after starting a new medication and is experiencing side effects. You, as the nurse, need to address their concerns and offer guidance.
Nurse: "Hello, Mr. Johnson. How are you feeling since starting the new medication?"
Patient: "I've been having headaches and feeling dizzy lately. I’m worried it might be the medicine."
Nurse: "I understand. Sometimes, dizziness and headaches can be side effects as your body adjusts. Let's go over when you're feeling these symptoms. Are they constant or only at certain times of day?"
Patient: "Mostly in the morning, and then it fades a bit by the afternoon."
Nurse: "Thank you for sharing that. One thing you can try is taking the medication with a light meal if you’re currently taking it on an empty stomach. This often helps reduce dizziness. Would you like me to follow up with your doctor to see if any adjustments are needed?"
Patient: "Yes, that would be great. Thank you for the advice."
Nurse: "Of course. I’ll contact your doctor and let you know if there are any changes. Meanwhile, remember to stay hydrated and take your time when standing up or moving around to avoid worsening the dizziness."
Scenario 2: Discharge Instructions for Post-Surgery Care
Background: A patient is being discharged after a minor surgery. You need to explain the discharge instructions, including wound care and follow-up visits.
Nurse: "Good afternoon, Ms. Lee! I understand you're ready to go home. Before you leave, I’d like to go over some important discharge instructions with you."
Patient: "Okay, I’m a bit nervous about caring for the wound myself, though."
Nurse: "That’s perfectly normal. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. First, make sure to keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours. After that, you can gently wash the area with mild soap and water."
Patient: "Do I need to put anything on it?"
Nurse: "Yes, you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment after cleaning it. Also, be sure to change the bandage daily or anytime it gets wet or dirty. You’ll want to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks. And if you notice any redness, swelling, or unusual pain, please contact us right away."
Patient: "Thank you. How do I book my follow-up appointment?"
Nurse: "Good question! I’ll arrange it for you now; the appointment will be in two weeks, so we can check your healing progress. I’ll also give you a direct number to call if you have any questions once you’re home."
Scenario 3: Educating a Patient on Lifestyle Changes for Managing Hypertension
Background: A patient has been recently diagnosed with hypertension. You need to explain the importance of lifestyle changes and offer practical tips.
Nurse: "Hi, Mr. Williams! I see you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure. How are you feeling about this?"
Patient: "I’m a bit overwhelmed. I didn’t think this would happen to me."
Nurse: "It can be a lot to take in, but making a few small changes can really help manage your blood pressure. Let's start with diet. Are you currently following any specific diet?"
Patient: "Not really. I just try to avoid junk food."
Nurse: "That’s a good start. One thing that’s particularly helpful for blood pressure is reducing your salt intake. Try to limit processed foods, as they often contain hidden salt. Also, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals is a great way to get started."
Patient: "Okay, I can try that. What about exercise?"
Nurse: "Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking, five times a week can make a big difference. You don’t have to do anything intense; it’s more about consistency."
Patient: "That sounds manageable. Thanks for breaking it down."
Nurse: "Absolutely. Let’s schedule a follow-up in three months to check on your progress, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call."
These scenarios give practice in addressing various patient needs with empathy and clarity, ensuring patients feel informed and supported.
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