UNIT 1: THE HUMAN BODY

Artery: a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart

Ex: The passenger bled to death as the windshield had cut an artery and paramedics couldn't stop the
bleeding.

Bile: a bitter fluid that helps with digestion

Ex: The patients liver isn't producing enough bile to digest these foods properly.

Blood: the fluid that carries oxygen and other elements to the tissues and carbon dioxide away from
the tissues through the heart and vascular system

Ex: People are encouraged to donate blood once a year so that the health service always has a stock.

Brain: the mass of nerve tissue located in the head of animals with spinal cords; it is the center of
thought and controls movement

Ex: You have to be very careful if you hit your head in case of brain damage.

Cardiovascular system: the system of organs and tissues involved in circulating blood and lymph
through the body

Ex: Research has shown that a glass of red wine a day can help your cardiovascular system.

CNS (central nervous system): the part of the nervous system comprising of the brain and the spinal
cord

Ex:Epilepsy is a potentially fatal disorder of the central nervous system.

Digestive system: the part of the body that stores and processes food

Ex: The baby's entire digestive system was damaged from drinking liquid floor cleaner.

Gland: an organ or group of cells that releases substances or waste from the body

Ex: The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the throat.

Heart: the organ that controls the flow of blood in the body

Ex: The government is running a series of public information films on the dangers of heart disease.

Intestine: the portion of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus

Ex: As soon as food enters your small intestine, your brain receives a message saying 'stop eating'.

Joint: a movable or fixed place or part where two bones or elements of a skeleton join
Ex: Elderly people tend to suffer from joint pain as a result of arthritis.

Liver: an organ in the body that secretes bile to help digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Ex: Three weeks after a transplant operation, the man was in the hospital again with liver failure.

Lungs: a pair of organs in which oxygen from the air that is inhaled is transferred into the blood

Ex: Lung cancer is particularly common among smokers.

Nerve: fiber forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, between the brain
or spinal cord and other parts of the body

Ex: The main aim of this surgery is to relieve the pressure on the trapped nerve.

Pancreas: this organ both regulates insulin and secretes enzymes to break down carbohydrates,
proteins, and lipids

Ex: Pancreatic cancer is any cancer where malignant cells originated in tissues forming the
pancreas.

Respiratory system: the set of organs that allows a person to breathe and exchange oxygen and
carbon dioxide throughout the body

Ex: The program is designed for people with respiratory system troubles, such as asthma.

Spinal cord: the thick column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain about two thirds
of the way down the backbone

Ex: The spine supports the skeleton and protects the fragile spinal cord.

Spleen: an organ near the stomach that has various roles in purifying and storing the blood

Ex: John's spleen was removed after the accident as it had ruptured.

Tonsil: either of a pair of oval masses of lymphoid tissue, one on each side of the throat at the back
of the mouth

Ex: When Timmy was 6 he was diagnosed with tonsillitis and had his tonsils removed.

Vein: a blood vessel that carries depleted blood back to the heart

Ex: After the nurse had found the vein, she gave the injection.
 UNIT 2: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Bandage: a long piece of cloth which is wrapped around an injured body part

I need to wrap the bandage around my ankle, as I suspect I have sprained it.

Brace: an object to support a body part and hold it in the correct position after injury

If the patient has suffered a severe head injury and there is a risk for a spinal cord injury, he
or she will have to wear a neck brace.

Cast: a tough cover which protects an injured body part or a broken limb

A broken bone will be treated with the cast unless it is very small.

Catheter: a thin tube inserted into a patient’s body in order to remove a liquid, e.g. urine

As you will be immobilized after the surgery so unable to go to the toilet, you will have a
catheter inserted.

Crutches: sticks which fit under your arms and are used to walk when your leg or foot is
injured or broken

She’s been walking on crutches for 4 weeks now and is really looking forward to the moment
when her leg has fully recovered.

Defibrillator: a device to correct abnormal heart rate by means of electric shocks

A defibrillator is commonly used in case of patients with irregular heart beats.

Diagnostic equipment: tools and devices used by doctors to examine a patient and form an
opinion of what is wrong

A stethoscope and thermometer are examples of common diagnostic equipment.

Forceps:an instrument with two long narrow parts for holding things during medical
operations

Use forceps to close the blood vessel.

Incubator: a piece of hospital equipment in which ill or premature babies lie to be kept warm
and given treatment

As my son was born a month before he was due, he had to be placed in an incubator.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):a medical imaging technique used to produce images of
internal organs
To produce images of the body, MRI scanners use magnetic fields or radio waves.

Scalpel:a small sharp knife used by doctors during operations to cut skin & tissue

Make sure scalpel is sterile before you begin performing a surgery.

Sling:a piece of cloth to support your arm in case it’s injured

As I have injured my wrist and have to wear a sling, I’m going to take a few days off work.

Splint: a metal, plastic or wooden element placed next to a broken bone to immobilize it while
it’s healing

Before the doctor put my arm in a cast, he placed a metal splint next to it, so now my arm is so
heavy!

Stethoscope: a tool which is used for listening to someone's breathing or heart

When you complain to a GP about acute cough, he or she uses a stethoscope to listen to your
chest.

Stretcher: A type of portable bed used to carry an injured or ill person

Stretchers are included as standard equipment for ambulances in case paramedics need to
carry injured patients.

Syringe: a tool which is used to inject fluid into the body or withdraw fluid from it

The majority of doctors surgeries use disposable syringes these days.

Thermometer: a tool to measure temperature of the body

Due to the toxicity of mercury, mercury thermometers were banned in EU.

tongue depressor: a tool used during examinations of the throat which helps keep the view
open

Now please open your mouth and I will use a tongue depressor to check your throat.

Wheelchair: a rolling transportation device often used by someone who cannot walk

She's been in a wheelchair since she had her leg amputated.

X-ray: a type of radiation used to produce images that help to diagnose diseases

He had an X-ray taken and it revealed he had broken a rib

 UNIT 3: IN THE HOSPITAL

A&E (accident and emergency)

a department which treats patients with serious illnesses or injuries, especially life-threatening ones
She was taken to A&E on suspicion of appendicitis.
anesthetic
a substance which causes lack of awareness or feeling, thus permitting surgery or other painful
procedures
Before we begin, you will be administered a local anesthetic.
cardiology
the study and treatment of heart disorders
If you suffer from chest pains or find it difficult to breathe at times, please consult a cardiology
specialist.
clinic
a part of a hospital where outpatients come for diagnosis and treatment
Please confirm your appointment by phone two days before coming to the clinic.
geriatrics
the study, treatment and care of old people
Geriatrics’ main goal is to promote health in old age by preventing and treating diseases.
gynecology
the branch of medicine in which doctors study and treat medical conditions which affect women and
their reproductive organs
Due to high infertility rate, gynecology has become a highly sought-after specialization.
inpatient
a person who stays in the hospital for the time of treatment
As all the hospital wards are full, we cannot take any inpatients right now.
ICU (intensive care unit )
a ward where patients who are seriously ill are closely monitored
He suffered from such serious injuries in the motorbike crash that he was taken to the Intensive Care
Unit.
maternity ward
a place for pregnant women or women who have just given birth
The maternity ward is a place where women give birth to babies.
neonatal
related to the period after birth, especially the first 4 weeks after birth
When a baby is born prematurely, it is taken care of in a neonatal unit.
neurology
a specialty concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system
If you want to specialize in neurology, you need to be knowledgeable about the brain, the spinal cord
and the nerves.
oncology
the field of medicine concerned with the study, treatment of prevention of cancer
After noticing an abnormal spot, lump or ulcer on your skin, contact the nearest oncology unit
immediately.
outpatient
a person who does not stay in the hospital but comes to a clinic or surgery for a treatment
The neurology clinic is attended by a lot of outpatients suffering from nervous system disorders.
palliative care
medical care which does not provide a cure for a disease, but reduces its severity or slows its progress
Patients suffering from fatal diseases often require palliative care.
pharmacy
a place where drugs and medicines are prepared and sold
Go to the pharmacy to replenish the stock of barbiturates.
physiotherapy
the treatment of injuries by doing special exercises
Physiotherapy is recommended after any kind of back injury.
psychiatric
related to the treatment and prevention of mental illnesses
Patients who might behave aggressively towards others are kept in closed psychiatric hospitals.
surgery
a kind of treatment in which a doctor cuts into somebody’s body in order to remove or repair the
damaged or diseased organs
All surgeries are performed in the operating room on the second floor.
university hospital
an institution which combines the services of a hospital with the education of medical students and
medical research
Working in a university hospital is the best way for future doctors to learn and gain practical
experience.
ward
a large hospital room with beds for patients to stay
Our wards have been equipped with modern life functions monitoring equipment.
UNIT 4: DIAGNOSIS

ache
a pain or feeling of discomfort, usually one that is steady and long lasting
The side effects of the medication may include stomach aches or hair loss.
ascertain
to verify or confirm something
We will be running several tests to ascertain whether you have asthma or not.
barbiturates
substances derived from an organic compound that are used as sedatives and sleep inducers
Patients taking barbiturates need to be careful not to become addicted.
bruise
an injured area of a surface that becomes discolored
Seeing the dark purple bruise on her arm, her parents started to worry.
carry out
to conduct, run, do (e.g. a test)
All blood tests are carried out at the local hospital as we do not have the equipment here in the
surgery.
constipation
a condition in which the feces are hard and elimination from the bowels is infrequent and difficult
If you suffer from constipation, you should try including more fiber in your diet or maybe eating
prunes.
diagnose
to identify a problem or disease by considering the symptoms or performing an exam
I went to the doctors yesterday and he diagnosed me with the flu, so I need to stay in bed for a week.
examine
to analyze, inspect or carefully study
Before making a decision, it is important to examine all of the possibilities.
fatigue
physical or mental exhaustion
People working long hours in stressful jobs are at risk of fatigue.
GP (general practitioner)
a physician who does not specialize in any particular field of medicine
As I was feeling a bit unwell, I made an appointment with my general practitioner.
insomnia
an ongoing inability to sleep or stay asleep
Many people are affected by insomnia at some point during their lives but for some it is a major
problem.
lesion
a wound or an area of the body that has been damaged through injury or disease
You should report any lumps or skin lesions to your doctor.
nausea
a feeling of sickness that makes the person want to vomit
People often suffer from nausea when traveling, especially by boat.
prescribe
to recommend and give official permission for a course of treatment
My doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics to stop infection.
rash
any red eruption of the skin
The symptoms include a red, itchy rash where the substance was in contact with the skin.
running a fever
suffering from a body temperature higher than normal
As she was running a fever, I decided to keep her home from school.
symptom
a characteristic sign of something, especially a physical or mental sign of an illness
After I had described my symptoms, the doctor asked me to lay down so he could examine me.
tingling
a prickling or stinging feeling, as from cold, a sharp slap, excitement, etc
It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from tingling hands to a greater or lesser
extent.
vomit
to eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Children who are under a lot of stress at school may occasionally vomit.
biopsy
a test in which a tissue sample is removed and examined for the presence of a disease
To rule out the possibility of cancer, a biopsy must be performed.
blood culture
a test performed to detect if microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are present in the circulatory
system
Results from a blood culture can identify the type of microorganisms responsible for the infection.
check-up
an examination performed by a doctor to make sure a patient is healthy
Everyone should have regular check-ups at a GPs' surgery.
consent
permission given by a patient, normally on a signed paper
We need your written consent, sir, to begin the treatment.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
a test in which the electrical activity of the heart is measured to check its condition
An ECG is performed when a patient reports symptoms of myocardial infarction.
endoscopy
examination of the inside of the body by means of a lighted, flexible instrument
The stomach may be examined by means of endoscopy in case of symptoms in the digestive system.
GP (general practitioner)
a physician whose practice covers a variety of medical problems in patients of all ages, also known as
a "family doctor"
If you need information on the influenza vaccination, consult your GP.
identify
to recognize something and understand what it is
The purpose of this leaflet is to help you identify pre-diabetes symptoms.
in order to
so that something can happen
Surgeons use a scalpel in order to cut through tissue.
invasive
surgery involving putting something into the body or cutting into the body
Endoscopy is less invasive than open surgery.
mammogram
an X-ray of the breast taken in order to help a professional decide whether a lump in the breast is a
gland, a cyst or a tumor
When the mammogram result indicates the probability of cancer, biopsy is performed next.
medical history
the past and present of a patient, which may contain important information on their health
Being an account of all medical events and problems a person has experienced, medical history
enables the physician to form a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Pap test
a test for cervical cancer which involves the microscopic examination of cells collected from the
cervix
Most women aged 21-65 should have pap test performed as part of routine health care.
radiography
obtaining film records of internal structures of the body
Medical radiography is done using X-rays which pass through the body and act on a special film.
record
to document and save something that has happened
The ECG machine records electrical impulses coming from the patient's body.
screening
a test done to check for a particular disease
She is worried as she has discovered a lump on her breast during routine screening.
self-examination
the process of checking parts of your body yourself for signs of a disease
Regular self-examination facilitates early detection of any changes and greatly improves the
likelihood of successful treatment.
tomography
the process of generating a two-dimensional image of a section of a three-dimensional object
In case of cancer, tomography is used to help diagnose tumors & detect abnormal growths.
ultrasound
high-frequency sound waves emitted by a device, which bounce off tissues and are converted into a
picture
Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to examine a fetus.
utilize
to use something
Computed tomography utilizes x-rays that rotate around a patient in order to produce cross-sectional
images.

UNIT 5: DISEASES AND ILLNESS

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

a severe immunological disorder caused by the retrovirus HIV
AIDS is commonly spread through sexual contact or sharing a needle with an infected person.
anemia
a pathological deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood
Blood loss or iron deficiency are common causes of anemia.
bacterium
any member of microorganisms typically a few micrometres in length and shaped like spheres, rods,
or spirals
Most hospitals have anti-bacterial gel for visitors to use to wash their hands.
cancer
any type of malignant growth or tumor, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
chlamydia
a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium which can damage a woman's
reproductive organs
John went to the doctor's to test for Chlamydia after his ex-girlfriend told him that she had the
disease.
condition
a disease, illness or injury
This hospital treats all kinds of conditions.
diabetes
any of several disorders characterized by increased urine production and insulin resistance
You have to be very careful how much sugar you eat when you have diabetes.
disorder
a disturbance in physical or mental health or functions
When he was diagnosed with a mental disorder he was referred to a psychiatrist.
epidemic
affecting many persons and spreading in an area in which a disease is not commonly prevalent
The epidemic of typhoid was blamed on a polluted water source in the camp.
heart disease
a common name for medical conditions affecting the cardiovascular system
In order to avoid heart disease, it is important to eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise.
incurable
not able to be fixed, remedied or corrected
Although the disease is incurable, the symptoms can be treated to maintain a good quality of life.
infectious
tending to spread from one person to another
When you sneeze, it is important to cover your mouth as colds and flu are very infectious and other
people can easily catch them.
infertility
the state of not being able to reproduce (have children)
When Mary learnt that she suffered from infertility, she was very upset as she had always wanted to
have children.
flu (influenza)
highly infectious and often epidemic viral disease characterized by fever
Each year millions of people take time off work due to influenza in the winter months.
meningitis
an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord, caused by infection
At first the doctor didn't know what he had contracted, but after running several tests, they
discovered it was viral meningitis.
outbreak
a sudden occurrence of an illness
Doctors have warned travelers of an outbreak of malaria in the area.
polio
an acute viral disease affecting children and young adults often resulting in paralysis
In the 1920's polio was one of the most common diseases, but today it is very rare.
STD (sexually transmitted disease)
any disease contracted through genital contact
There has been a rise in the number of sexually transmitted diseases because a lot of young people
don't know the risk connected to sex.
terminal
unable to be treated and resulting in death
Hearing that the disease was terminal was a shock for John.
virus
a small infectious agent that uses other cells to reproduce
Viral diseases are often harder to treat than bacterial infections.

UNIT 6: ANOTOMY

abdominals
the muscles located in the abdomen
The abdominals, which are located between the ribs and the pelvis, support upper body, facilitate
movement and hold organs in place.
backbone
the row of small bones which run down the body
As John was feeling tense, he had a massage of the muscles on sides of the backbone, which was very
relaxing.
bicep
the muscle at the front of the upper arm used to pull things towards you
The man pulled his shirt sleeve up, revealing a colorful tattoo on his bicep.
clavicle
a slender bone that forms the anterior part of a shoulder
The collarbone, whose technical name is the clavicle, goes across the top of the chest, from the
shoulder to the neck.
cranium
the bone which encloses the brain
All vertebrates have a bony structure called cranium, which protects the brain.
deltoid
a large muscle located on the joint of the shoulder, responsible for raising the arm
As the patient needed an intra-muscular injection, the paramedic inserted the thick needle into her
deltoid muscle.
femur
a bone in the leg extending from the pelvis to the knee
The joint between the femur and the tibia is called the knee joint.
fibula
the outer bone of the lower leg
The tibia and the fibula are joined together at their top and bottom ends.
gastrocnemius
the largest calf muscle whose role is to extend the foot and raise the heel
The gastrocnemius is involved in both fast actions of the leg, for example running and jumping, as
well as slower activities such as walking and standing.
glutes
large muscles in the buttocks
Glutes’ are most powerfully used when we return to the erect position after stooping down.
humerus
the long bone in the arm running down from the shoulder to the elbow
The humerus, which consists of three sections, connects the scapula with the bones of the lower arm.
mandible
the bone of the lower jaw
The mandible is the largest and the strongest bone in the human face.
muscular system
the term for all the muscles of the body collectively
The muscular system’s functions include the body movement, posture maintenance and blood
circulation.
pelvis
the bones below the abdomen that support the lower back and are connected to the bones of the leg
Recently there have been significant successes in operations for dislocation and fracture of the pelvis.
radius
the bone in the forearm located on the side of the thumb
There are two bones in the forearm, the straighter and more slender one being the radius.
rib cage
an enclosure formed by the ribs, which curve around the chest to protect the lungs and heart
The rib cage in humans consists of 24 ribs.
scapula
a flat triangular bone that forms the back of a shoulder
Scapula connects the upper arm bone with the collar bone, namely the humerus with the clavicle.
skeletal system
also called skeleton, is the system of bones and connective tissues, whose main role is to support
tissues and internal organs as well as to protect them
There are four main types of skeletal systems: exoskeleton, endoskeleton, hydroskeleton and
cytoskeleton.
soleus
a calf muscle located behind the gastrocnemius, which helps extend the foot forward
Soleus is a powerful muscle that runs from the knee to the heel.
tendon
fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones
The largest and strongest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel
bone to the muscles of the calf.
tibia
the inner bone of the lower leg
Tibia, which connects the knee with ankle bones, is commonly called the shinbone.
trapezius
a wide, flat muscle that covers most of the upper back and neck and is used to move the shoulder and
head
Trapezius is a superficial muscle, which means it is located on the outer side of the body/
ulna
the bone in the forearm on the side that is opposite to the thumb
The ulna is situated on the same side of the arm as the little finger.
vertebra
any of the bony segments that compose the backbone
The autopsy of the victim revealed that the death had been caused by a severe injury of the fourth
cervical vertebra.
 UNIT 7: SURGERY

anesthesiologist
a physician specialized in the practice of administering drugs that cause insensibility to pain
Before surgery, an anesthesiologist will administer propofol.
aspirate
to draw in by suction
Aspirate the suspension using a 5ml syringe.
cosmetic
related to the improvement of appearance
Nowadays even young and attractive people decide to undergo cosmetic surgery to improve their
looks.
drain
a tube which carries liquid away from your body
We must replace the drain as it's leaking.
effective
bringing desired results
Unfortunately, the treatment isn't effective so we have to reexamine our diagnosis.
emergency
a sudden and possibly dangerous situation which requires immediate action
The A&E department deals with all emergencies.
explanatory
intended to help you understand something else
I found the explanatory article on the new treatment very interesting.
keyhole
related to surgery performed through a small opening
The advantages of keyhole surgery to the patient include reduced pain and hemorrhaging.
neurosurgery
the area of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the
nervous system
Diagnostic methods used in neurosurgery include computed tomography and magnetic resonance
imaging.
operating room
a hospital room with special equipment where surgeries are performed
Madam, your husband is currently being operated on in the second floor operating room.
operation
the process of cutting into somebody's body and altering the internals
In the case of the injury of internal organs, surgeons have to perform an operation on the patient.
orthopedic surgeon
a medical professional who deals with the treatment of injuries of bones
After consulting the orthopedic surgeon, Mr Jones felt much happier about the proposed procedure.
prepping
the act of preparing for something
When the nurse had finished prepping the patient, the surgery began.
reconstructive surgery
surgery aimed at restoring the form and function of the body
Many victims of serious traffic accidents undergo reconstructive surgery of the face.
scrub up
to wash hands and forearms thoroughly before surgery
Dr. Savage has been dismissed as he forgot to scrub up before operating.
sterile
completely clean and without any bacteria
Make sure the surgical equipment your team will be using is sterile.
suture
a stitch used for closing a cut or wound
Sutures are usually applied using a needle.
swab
a small piece of cotton used to clean an injury
Clean the wound with a sterile swab before applying suture.
vascular surgeon
a specialist who deals with the diseases of arteries and veins
Vascular surgeons are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting all parts of the
vascular system except for the heart and grain.

UNIT 8: MENTAL HEALTH

Anorexia
An eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a normal minimal body weight, fear of
gaining weight
Many people worry that the pressure on teenage girls to look like models causes anorexia.
Anxiety
A state of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a realistic or
fantasized threatening event or situation
John had suffered from anxiety for several years before he sought treatment.
Asylum
An institution for the care of people, especially those with physical or mental impairments, who
require organized supervision or assistance
Nowadays, people usually say 'psychiatric hospital' instead of 'asylum' as it sounds better.
Autism
Abnormal self-absorption, usually affecting children, characterized by a lack of response to people
and actions and limited ability to communicate
The film 'rainman' did a lot to educate people on the effects of autism.
Compulsion
An inner drive that causes a person to perform actions, often of a trivial and repetitive nature
At first his compulsion to count the m&m's seemed strange, but we all got used to it quickly.
Creative therapy
Any non-standard process which focuses on the action instead of the result as a means of therapy
Some coma clinics use color therapy as a creative therapy to try and stimulate the patients' brains.
Delusion
A belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary
When his delusion became so strong that he lost touch with reality, he had to be sent to a psychiatric
hospital for his own safety.
Dementia
A state of serious emotional and mental deterioration
It can be very distressing to see the effects of dementia on elderly relatives.
Ect (electroconvulsive therapy)
The treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to
induce coma or convulsions
Electroconvulsive therapy is usually the last resort when treating major depressive disorders.
Frontal lobotomy
Incision into the frontal lobe of the brain to sever one or more nerve tracts
Although now viewed as barbaric, the frontal lobotomy was one of the only options available to
surgeons at the time.
Mood stabilizers
A psychiatric medication used to treat mood disorders characterized by intense and sustained mood
shifts
Jane would become extremely sad if she didn't take her mood stabilizers.
Ocd (obsessive compulsive disorder)
A mental condition characterized by persistent, intrusive, and senseless thoughts (obsessions) to
perform repetitive behaviors
The main sign that he was suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, was his need to wash his
hands three times after going to the toilet.
Panic attack
An episode of acute and disabling anxiety associated with such physical symptoms as
hyperventilation and sweating
Having a panic attack while driving can result in the complete loss of control of the vehicle.
Phobia
An abnormal intense and irrational fear of a given situation, organism, or object
As a result of his phobia of crowds, john refused to go to the supermarket and did all his shopping
online.
Ptsd (post-traumatic stress disorder)
A disorder that occurs among survivors of severe environmental stress such as a tornado, an airplane
crash, or military combat
Thousands of soldiers returning from the gulf war suffered from post traumatic stress disorder so
badly that it was impossible for them to go back to a normal life.
Psychiatrist
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
During her time at medical university, jane developed an interest in mental health and decided to
become a psychiatrist.
Psychoactive drug
A chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind
Although most people think of lsd when talking about psychoactive drugs, it is worth remembering
that they can play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
Psychologist
A person trained and educated to perform psychological research, testing, and therapy
John had been seeing his psychologist for several years before he realized the cause of his anxiety.
Psychotherapy
Treatment of mental disorders and behavioral disturbances using verbal and nonverbal
communication
Some people don't see the value of psychotherapy, because they think that just talking about feelings
cannot help a patient.
Schizophrenia
Any of a group of psychotic disorders usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical
patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations
People suffering from schizophrenia often find it hard to live in the real world.

UNIT 9: DENTISTRY

Braces
A set of wires worn on teeth to push them into the correct position
I noticed gaps between my son's teeth and i think he might need braces.
Bridge
A set of one or more false teeth
A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth is called a bridge.
Cavity
A hole in a tooth caused by decay
I went to the dentist for a check-up and he noticed two cavities that have to be filled.
Crown
A type of tooth restoration that covers all or most of the natural tooth
A crown is often a recommended solution if a tooth has been broken or is at high risk of breaking due
to large fillings or cracks.
Decay
A bacterial infection which causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth
Brush your teeth after each meal to prevent tooth decay.
Dental hygienist
A member of the dental team whose job involves cleaning people’s teeth and giving advice on how to
care for them
Ask your hygienist to show you the best way to brush and floss your teeth.
Dental surgeon
A medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the
oral cavity
The profession of a dentist can also be referred to as 'a dental surgeon', but this name is rarely used.
Dental technician
A member of the dental team who constructs custom made crowns, bridges and implants
To construct the crown, the dental technician will need a dental model.
Dentures
A removable replacement for missing teeth
It is suggested to use dentures if there are insufficient teeth to support a bridge.
Enamel
The hard white outer layer of teeth
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and contains the highest percentage of minerals.
Endodontist
A dental professional who specializes in the treatment of root canals
The dentist told me that the nerve had to be removed and the root would have to be filled, so i made
an appointment with an endodontist.
Extract
To remove a tooth
The cavity was so large and decay so widespread that the tooth had to be extracted.
Filling
A mass of metal or plastic used to replace a hole in a tooth
I have to make an appointment with my dentist because one of my fillings has fallen out.
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the soft gum tissue and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth
At an early stage, gingivitis is non-destructive, but in the absence of treatment it will progress to
periodontitis, which is a destructive disease.
Gums
The soft tissue inside the oral cavity in which teeth are fixed
Improper oral hygiene may lead to gum disease.
Implant
A small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth
An implant is placed in the jaw bone and serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth.
Jaw
The lower part of the face which includes the bottom teeth
Disorders of the jaw joint can cause pain similar to toothache.
Oral
Connected with the mouth
The interface between medicine and dentistry is called oral medicine.
Orthodontist
A dentistry professional who straightens teeth
Consult an orthodontist if your teeth are crooked or there are gaps between them.
Root canal
A hollow thin space inside the root of a tooth that can become infected
Treating the nerve of a tooth is referred to as root canal treatment.

UNIT 10: ENGLISH FOR NURSING

Administer
To apply, or give as a remedy
The paramedic administered basic first aid, but it wasn't enough to save the patient.
Admission
The act of being received into a place e.g. Hospital
After the patient's admission, he was taken to the operating room.
Assist
To help, to give aid to
Could you assist me in restraining the patient?
Bedside manner
The attitude, approach and conduct of a medical professional in the company of a patient
Even though he was technically a very good doctor, his bedside manner was poor so his patients
disliked him.
Charge nurse
A senior nurse in charge of a ward
New nurses are closely checked by their charge nurse to make sure they do not make any mistakes.
Direct care
The care of a patient which is provided personally by a staff member
Direct care workers need both good medical knowledge and the ability to work well with people.
Discharge
To release from hospital, or another course of care
He had to stay in hospital for two weeks before he was discharged.
Draw
To extract, or take (such as blood from a vein)
After the nurse had drawn blood, she sent the sample for analysis.
Dressings
Materials applied to cover a wound for the purposes of protection
You have to change the dressings on the cut every day to stop infection.
Educate
To provide with knowledge or training in a particular area
It is important to educate people on the dangers of smoking.
Interact
To act or work in close relation with another
Doctors need to interact with the nursing team to provide the best possible care for patients.
Intravenous
Within or administered into a vein
At this hospital we do not use tablets as all painkillers are given by intravenous injection.
Medication
The administration of medicine
The nursing staff are responsible for the medication of patients.
Midwife
A nurse who is qualified to deliver babies
In the usa, most midwifes are women.
Monitor
To check constantly on a certain condition or action
This machine monitors patients heart rates and emits a beeping sound if there is anything out of the
usual.
Response
A reaction of an organism in reply to a stimulus
As there was no response to the first course of medication, the doctor decided to try something else.
Rewarding
Offering or giving satisfaction
Even though nurses salaries are quite low, a lot of nurses say that they like their job because it is
rewarding.
Specimen
A small sample or part taken to show the nature of the whole
Blood and saliva specimens were taken and then tested.
Staff nurse
A qualified nurse who is either a member of the ward or working there on a temporary basis
There are 8 staff nurses working in the accident and emergency department.
Terminal
Causing, ending in or approaching death
When he heard that his wife's condition was terminal, he broke down in tears.

Complications
A secondary disease or condition which aggravates an existing condition
She was re-admitted to hospital after complications set in.
Convalescent
A person who is recovering after a serious accident or injury
Convalescents usually prefer to be cared for at home rather than in a hospital.
Devise
To create, design or invent a plan
When devising a treatment plan, take into account the patient’s current symptoms and medical
history.
Dignity
Respect that people have for someone or that someone has for themselves
Everyone wants to maintain dignity in old age.
Dress
To clean a wound and cover it with a piece of cloth
The nurse cleaned john’s arm carefully and dressed the wound gently but firmly.
Evaluate
To study something carefully in order to decide how bad it is
Before prescribing any medications, evaluate the patient’s symptoms thoroughly.
Fill in
To complete information in an official document
It took her an hour to fill out the report.
Hands-on care
Tasks such as washing, dressing and feeding, performed by a nurse
You must be very sensitive to your patient when providing hands-on care.
Informed consent
A process of obtaining permission from a patient before conducting a healthcare intervention
In pennsylvania, informed consent is required prior to blood transfusion.
Inventory
All the things stored or available in a place
Unfortunately there are no syringes in the inventory.
Maintenance
Any work done in order to keep a machine in good condition and working order
This new model requires minimal maintenance.
Operation
The way a machine functions
Don’t touch this device as it gets very hot during operation.
Pre-operation care
Health care and procedures before a surgical operation
Pre-operation care is usually provided by a nurse.
Rapport
A relationship in which people like, understand and respect each other
Ms bragwish is known for developing excellent rapport with her patients.
Records
Information written on paper or stored on computer to be used later on
The hospital maintains records about patients’ conditions on the main server.
Self-administer
When a patient gives a pharmacological substance to him- or herself
John found it relatively easy to self-administer anticoagulant injection drugs.
Shift
A period of work in a hospital where some people work during the day and some at night
Does dr jones work the day shift tomorrow?
Supplies
Medical equipment nurses and doctors need to perform their tasks
Supplies can be ordered directly from our website.
Support
Help or encouragement
Dr matthews always offers plenty of emotional support to his patients.
Workshop
An event in which a group of professionals meet to learn about a certain topic
The workshop on endocrinology was really useful to our team.
Acute
Sharp or severe in effect; intense
She was in acute pain when the doctor arrived.
Bedridden
Confined to bed because of illness or injury
Mr Jones was bedridden for two weeks after the operation.
Benign
Non-cancerous, self-limiting
Benign tumors do not spread through the body.
Blood work
Any of a series of tests conducted on a patients' blood
When the results of the blood work came back, the initial diagnosis was confirmed.
Chronic
Constant, having a long duration
She suffers from chronic migraines so has to take a lot of time off work.
Combat
Take action to reduce or prevent something
She suffers from chronic migraines so has to take a lot of time off work.
Counseling
Professional guidance given by speech
Preventative counseling can be very effective in changing a patients harmful habits.
Deficient
Insufficient, not enough
A lot of people take dietary supplements to compensate for vitamin deficiencies in their system.
Dispense
To distribute, to give to
Medications are dispensed at 08:00, 12:00 and 18:00 by the nurse on duty.
Imperative
Of great importance or necessity
It is imperative that women over the age of 40 be screened for breast cancer.
Interpret
To understand a meaning in a particular way
Unfortunately there are several ways to interpret test results so doctors cannot be 100% sure of the
cause.
Malignant
Characterized by uncontrolled growth, invasive, cancerous
If the tumor is malignant, we will have to operate.
Otherwise
You should go to the doctor otherwise the infection may get worse
You should go to the doctor otherwise the infection may get worse
Pharmacology
The science of dealing with the preparation and effects of drugs
In order to work as a pharmacist you have to study pharmacology.
Rehabilitation
The act of restoring to good health or good condition
Patients can become very frustrated during the rehabilitation process.
Respond to
To react favorably to
His body is responding to the treatment so he is no longer in a critical condition.
Sedation
The calming of mental excitement or physical function often by the administering of drugs
Patients who self-prescribe are often at serious risk as they do not have full knowledge of the effects.
Self-prescribe
Designating a medication on ones' own without the involvement of a doctor
Patients who self-prescribe are often at serious risk as they do not have full knowledge of the effects.
Surgical intervention
The act of surgery or operating on a patient
Surgical interventions have become much safer in recent years.
Tumor
An internal growth of cells
If you feel a tumor in your breast, you should contact your GP immediately.

UNIT 11: ROUTINE CHECKUPS

Annual blood test

A test performed every year in which a small sample of blood is taken and examined to check blood
content and look for signs of any disease or disorder
Under your health insurance you can have annual blood tests done at your local surgery free of
charge.
Appointment
An arrangement to see a doctor at a specific date and time
As claire was feeling very weak and had a high temperature, she phoned the surgery to make an
appointment with her gp.
Bmi (body mass index)
A measure of body fat calculated on the basis of weight and height
The result of his bmi count was 23.5, which meant his weight was appropriate.
Brca genetic test
A test of two human genes which helps determine the risk of occurrence of breast cancer
Because there had been cases of breast cancer in her family, mary had the brca test done.
Breast cancer
Is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the mammary glands or surrounding tissue
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer.
Burst
To break open or apart, suddenly or violently
He was rushed into surgery after his appendix burst
Cervical cancer
A cancer that develops in the tissue of the cervix
One of the symptoms of cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding.
Chemistry panel
A type of blood test which provides information on the condition of your cardiovascular system
The results of the chemical panel indicate that you may be prone to coronary artery disease.
Cholesterol
A substance in the blood and cells which can cause the diseases of the heart and arteries
As jane’s tests had shown a high cholesterol level, she had to reduce the intake of saturated fats.
Colonoscopy
A screening test performed to check for colorectal cancer
As our clinic is equipped with a ccd camera, our specialists can perform colonoscopy on request.
Colorectal cancer
The development of cancer in the parts of the large intestine
Mark has been feeling very tired lately and has lost a lot of weight, so the doctor ordered him to have
the stool blood test done to eliminate the possibility of colorectal cancer.
Complete blood count
A type of blood test which provides information on cells in the blood and the concentration of various
proteins and minerals
The complete blood count is a very common procedure as it provides an overview of a patient’s
general health condition.
Detection
The process of detecting symptoms of a disease or a disorder
An early detection of a tumor increases the chances of a successful treatment.
Dre (digital rectal exam)
A manual examination to check for problems with organs in the pelvis and lower belly, such as the
prostate gland in men and the uterus in women.
To perform dre, put on a glove, apply some lubricant on your finger and slide it into the rectum.
Family health history
Information about diseases and disorders your close relatives have experienced
A thorough family health history can help determine the risk of occurrence of any fatal diseases.
Fibrinogen
A protein essential for blood clot formation
After the body suffers an injury, fibrinogen converts into threads that form a net stabilizing the injury
site until it is fully healed.
Obesity
The condition of being too overweight
About 12% of the male population suffers from heart disease caused indirectly by obesity.
Prostate cancer
The development of cancer in the gland of the male reproductive system
James had been diagnosed with prostate cancer which further contributed to his depression.
Risk factor
Anything that increases the chance of getting a disease
Intravenous drug use is a major risk factor for contracting hiv.
Screen
To test if someone is suffering from a particular disease
It is possible to screen for a variety of diseases before any symptoms are present
Ultrasound
A test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images from the inside of the body
To confirm she was pregnant, claire had an ultrasound scan done by her gynecologist.
 UNIT 12: AT THE PHARMACY

Absorb
To take up or be received by chemical interaction
The cream is absorbed directly into the skin.
Active ingredient
The chemically active part of a drug
Benadryl's active ingredient is diphenhydramine.
Contraindications
Something which makes a particular course of treatment unadvisable.
Most drugs contain a list of contraindications on the instructions.
Dietary supplement
A product containing ingredients with nutritional value, designed to compensate for a lack of this
ingredient in a person's diet
More and more people are taking dietary supplements to ensure that they meet the recommended
daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.
Discontinue
To cease or stop
You should discontinue taking the tablets if you feel any shortness of breath.
Drops
A liquid medicine which is given in the form of globules
Eye-drops are the most common medication for treating infections in the eye.
Drowsiness
The state of feeling tired
Thousands of drivers each year are killed because of drowsiness.
Effervescence tablet
A tablet which dissolves in water giving off small bubbles
Effervescence tablets are one of the most popular forms of vitamin supplement.
Fill a prescription
To validate and supply the required items of a prescription
I took the prescription to my local pharmacist who filled it.
Generic
A product which is directly comparable to a brand name but without trademark
Generic drugs are usually much lower in cost than brand name drugs.
Liniment
A liquid or semi-liquid preparation which is applied directly to the skin
Liniments are most commonly used in the treatment of bruises or sprains.
Nasal
Of or relating to the nose
When they examined the boy, they realized he had a small plastic car stuck in his nasal cavity.
Numb
Without physical sensation or the ability to move
His hands were numb from the cold.
Orally
Done, taken or administered through the mouth
Pills and tablets are usually taken orally.
Over-the-counter
Without a doctors' prescription but within the law
A lot of over-the-counter medicines can now be bought online.
Side effects
A negative or detrimental effect which accompanies a drugs intended effect
Patients often feel quite concerned when they see a long list of possible side effects.
Suppository
A solid mass of medicinal substance which melts when inserted into the rectum or vagina
Suppositories are often used to treat infants for whom orally administered treatment is not an option.
Tincture
A solution of alcohol and animal, vegetable or chemical drugs
Most herbal extracts in the form of liquids are tinctures.
Topical
Local, applied externally to a specific part of the body
Topical anesthetics are used to relieve pain from sunburn, burns and insect bites
Transdermal
Applied to the skin for absorption into the blood stream
Nicotine patches are the most common transdermal patches in the us.
UNIT 13: ENGLISH FOR EMT'S
Apprise
To provide or give information, to inform
Please apprise me of the patients' condition if it changes.
Aed (automated external defibrillator)
Portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses cardiac arrhythmia in a patient, and is able to
treat them through defibrillation
When the patient was hooked up to the aed it showed an arrhythmia and administered a small shock
to correct it.
Cpr (cardiopulminary resuscitation)
A first aid technique that can be used if someone is not breathing properly or if their heart has
stopped
A lot of first aiders learn cpr in the event of an emergency.
Cot
A flat board which is used for carrying patients in a horizontal position
The paramedics carried the cot to the ambulance.
Disinfect
To thoroughly clean so as to kill bacteria
It is important to disinfect all surfaces to stop infection from spreading.
En-route
On the way, in the process of travelling to a location
We are en-route and will be there in less than 5 minutes.
Extricate
To remove from a situations - often difficult or dangerous
It took 3 firefighters to extricate the driver from the wreck.
Face-sheet
A form providing information to the hospital admitting a patient
The nurse consulted the face-sheet and saw that the paramedic had already administered 5mg of the
drug.
Jaundiced
Yellowish in appearance
Sometimes poor diet can result in a jaundiced appearance, but it could also signal a problem with the
kidneys.
Loc (level of consciousness)
Any test which is given to establish the mental condition of a patient. E.g. Gcs test
The glasgow coma score is one of the most widely used level of consciousness tests as it provides
objective data.
Nasogastric intubation
The process of inserting a plastic tube through the nose and into the stomach
The paramedic had to perform a nasogastric intubation to administer the activated charcoal.
Paramedic
An emt who has passed the 2nd grade of training
He started as an emt basic but after training and passing his final exam he is now a paramedic.
Prioritize
To give priority, importance to
It can be emotionally difficult to prioritize patients as each of them need help.
Remediate
To correct or make right
Insulin is used to remediate blood sugar levels.
Rig
An ambulance
Most rigs have a driver and a paramedic.
Run-sheet
A list of all events and procedures organized in a temporal order
Remember to keep all run-sheets safe for future reference.
Stabilize
To make steadier, to prevent from changing
He is losing too much blood. We need to stabilize him before we can move him.
Suppress
To curb, reduce, inhibit or stop
He was given two pain killers to suppress the headache.
Ventilation
The process of using a mechanical device to provide air to a patient
The patient needed ventilation to regulate his breathing.
Viable
Possible, likely to succeed
I am not sure if this is a viable course of action.
assessment
a judgment of a situation
An EMT must remain calm in order to provide an accurate assessment.
bandage
to wrap a bandage around the injured body part
After the wound is cleaned, it has to be bandaged.
bleeding
the process of losing blood
Instructed by an EMT, Amy pressed hard on the wound until the bleeding slowed.
blood transfusion
the injection of blood taken from one person into the bloodstream of another
The victim has lost a lot of blood and blood transfusion is necessary.
burn
an injury which is caused by fire, heat or a dangerous substance
She suffered burns to her right arm and parts of her back in the accident in the laboratory.
casualty
someone who is killed or injured in an accident
There are no reports of casualties in the accident.
composure
being calm and confident
Despite being devastated by the news, Rupert quickly regained his composure.
constricted
smaller and more narrow
When pupils are unnaturally constricted, look for head injuries.
dilated
more open and wider
Dilated pupils may be the sign of drug intake.
dispatcher
a person responsible for sending vehicles to the place where they are needed
The dispatcher answered the phone and heard a weak voice saying: Please, help me.
dosage
the amount of medicine which should be given
Unwanted side effects may occur if the recommended daily dosage is exceeded.
hazardous
dangerous to people’s health or safety
These chemicals are hazardous to human health.
immobilize
to make a person unable to move
If a limb is broken, immobilize it as soon as possible.
injury
damage to body suffered in an accident
The passenger suffered minor head injuries.
poisoning
an illness which is caused by eating, drinking and breathing a dangerous substance
Call emergency services immediately in case of any suspicion of mushroom poisoning.
pulse
the regular movement of blood which is pumped round the body by the heart
The paramedic rushed to take her pulse but unfortunately felt nothing.
pupil
the opening in the center of the eye which lets light in
Pupils dilate (open bigger) as a response to low light situations, danger, sexual arousal, and certain
drugs.
splint
to secure a fractured bone
Proceed with caution when attempting to splint a broken leg.
traumatic
making you feel shocked and upset
Being in a traffic accident is always a traumatic experience.
vital signs
any signs showing that a person is alive
The primary vital signs include body temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

UNIT 14: ELDER CARE

Ailment
A minor illness
He complains of many unusual sounding ailments, but we can find no evidence of any problem.
Bathe
To clean, wash
All patients need to be bathed once per day.
Bedsores
A sore or rash developed by the pressure of lying in the same place for an extended period
Bedsores are a real problem for coma patients.
Cognitive
Relating to cognition or the brain
Diet has been proven to have an effect on our cognitive processes.
Companionship
A feeling of company, friendship
One of the advantages of retirement homes is that the residents have a lot of companionship.
Dementia
A decline in mental ability severe enough to impact on daily life
A lot of elderly people suffer from dementia and as a result have problems with their memory.
Functional disability
A long term limitation resulting from an injury, condition or illness
Although he is in good physical condition, he suffers from a mental condition which has led to his
functional disability and is unable to care for himself.
Glaucoma
A condition of increased pressure within the eyeball resulting in loss of sight
Glaucoma is most often treated with eye-drops, but if untreated it can result in blindness.
Grooming
Activities such as brushing ones hair, doing ones make-up and generally taking care of ones
appearance
It is a mistake to think that only female patients need help with their grooming.
Hospice
A home providing care for sick, elderly or terminally ill patients
Many terminally ill patients are given a new lease on life in hospice care.
Impairment
The state of being weakened, damaged or diminished
He spent three months recuperating after the eye surgery, but still has a slight impairment in his
sight.
Incontinent
Unable to control natural discharges of urine / feces
One of the most embarrassing things for elderly patients is becoming incontinent.
Infirm
Frail, weak - often connected to age
She is very infirm and should not go out alone.
Interaction
The process of reacting to and responding to a stimuli
All humans need interaction as we are social creatures.
Osteoporosis
A bone weakening disease
Many senior citizens need hip replacements are a result of osteoporosis.
Outcome
A result, effect
The family waited nervously before the doctor gave them the outcome of the tests.
Pre-existing
Something which already was already before
Most insurance policies do not allow for treatment of pre-existing conditions.
Regimen
A prescribed course of medical treatment
It is important to finish the regimen of antibiotics.
Residential care
Long-term care given to patients in a 'home' setting
A lot of elderly people who cannot live comfortably on their own make use of residential care, where
a nurse comes to their house.
Respite care
Short-term care given to patients who cannot be cared for by family
As her family live in australia, susan spent two weeks in respite care after her operation.

UNIT 15: HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

Administrator
A person whose job involves managing an organization or institution
John was appointed the hospital administrator after mr richards had stepped down from the position.
Assess risk
To make a judgment about how much uncertainty and danger a particular course of action involves
The financial director didn’t assess risk correctly and as a result the company lost $100,000.
Background
The type of training or education that one has had
Currently we are looking for specialists with a background in oncology.
Budgeting
Planning how much money will be spent by an institution in a certain period of time
Budgeting is one of the responsibilities of the manager.
Comply with
To obey or follow a rule, order or standard
The nurse complied with the surgeon’s instructions promptly and gave the patient the injection.
Contract
A legal agreement between two people or organizations which involves doing work for a particular
amount of money
Either party may terminate the contract with three months notice.
Credentials
Skills or experience that show one is suitable for a particular job
Ms hunter’s credentials as a hospital manager are very impressive.
Establish standards
To set acceptable levels of quality of work
The management have established higher standards of service and as a result, patient satisfaction
rose to 78%.
Expenditure
The spending or outlay of money
The budget for last year provided for expenditure of $1 million.
Facility
A building which is used for a specific purpose
All healthcare facilities are run by a state agency in this country.
Flexitime
A system of work in which an employee may change the time when they start or finish work
My husband works flexitime which means he often comes back home late, when the children are
already asleep.
Fundraising
Collecting money for a particular purpose
Our team will help you conduct a successful fundraising campaign.
Governing board
A board that manages affairs of an institution
The principal governing body of the hospital is the governing board.
Implement a procedure
To begin to use a procedure
Those procedures must be implemented straightaway so as to increase safety in the department.
Internship
A time when a person learns a job by doing it for a particular period of time
After graduation my father did an unpaid internship in a local hospital.
Liaise
To provide a means of communication between groups of people
Ms green is able to liaise effectively with various healthcare institutions.
Mitigate
To take action in order to reduce harmful effects of something
The inter-departmental meeting was held so as to mitigate the conflict which had arisen.
Oversee
To watch how work is done so as to make sure it is done correctly
It is not my duty to oversee the whole department, but ms richardson’s!
Policy
A set of actions agreed by an institution
Healthcare policy can affect both the providers of health services and patients.
Recruitment
The process of looking for new employees
It is the hr department that is responsible for the recruitment process here.

UNIT 16: MEDICAL SLANG

Albatross
A chronically ill patient who will remain in hospital until they die
We try to provide comfort to the albatrosses, even though we cannot cure them.
Appy
An appendicitis, or an appendix
He presented complaining of an appy.
Bounceback
A patient who is readmitted to hospital after being discharged
If a doctor gets too many bouncebacks, it raises questions over his original diagnosis
Circle the drain
To be close to death
She was circling the drain when i left last night so i wasn't surprised to hear she had passed away.
Code brown
A fecal emergency, incontinence
Most nurses dread hearing the words code brown.
Departure lounge
The geriatrics ward
Working in the departure lounge requires a lot of patience and empathy.
Discharged up
To pass away, die
Two patients were discharged up last night so we have two free beds.
Frequent flyer
A patient who spends a lot of time at hospital, is frequently admitted
Everyone at the hospital knows mary, she is a real frequent flyer
Gatekeeper
An administrative doctor whose job it is to reduce costs by only admitting emergency cases, or those
with suitable insurance
As the gatekeeper, he decides who should be admitted and who should not.
Get hammered
To have a large number of admissions while on duty
A&e departments usually get hammered on friday and saturday nights.
Goldbrick
A patient who demands more time than their condition deserves
He only had a slight temperature but from the way he was complaining you would have thought he
was going to die - what a goldbrick!
Lpn (low paid nurse)
A play on words with the term lpn licensed practical nurse
I'll get one of the lpns to give her a sponge bath, i certainly am not going to do it myself.
Noctor
A junior nurse who thinks they are a doctor
One of the most annoying things for doctors is dealing with noctors who think they know more than
the doctor does.
Puppies
Interns or residents
All puppies should be present for rounds at 8am.
Shotgunning
Ordering a wide variety of tests in the hope one of them will show what is wrong with a patient
The doctors had no idea what was wrong with the patient so resorted to shotgunning.
Slasher
A surgeon
Slashers have a reputation of being less intelligent than doctors, but this is rarely true.
Turf
To get rid of a patient by referring them to another ward / team / doctor
It is not uncommon for a problem patient to be turfed from one department to another until they are
discharged.
Velcro
Relatives or friends who stay with a patient at all times
Other patients in the ward felt uncomfortable because of her velcro who stayed with her around the
clock.
Wallet biopsy
The process of confirming a patients insurance before admission to hospital
In corporate america, the wallet biopsy has become commonplace.
Zebra
An obscure diagnosis when a more commonplace diagnosis is more likely
Some doctors seem to overlook the obvious and arrive at zebras.
 UNIT 17: ADHD AND ASPERGER'S SYNDROME

Accommodate
To have consideration for
The hospital banned peanuts in order to accommodate people with allergies.
As (asperger's syndrome)
A disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted patterns of behavior and
interests
The exact cause of asperger's is unknown and there is no approved medication for it.
Adhd (attention deficit hyperactive disorder )
The common term for an illness characterized by lack of focus and impulsive behavior
Adhd is often harder to diagnose is girls because the symptoms can be more subtle.
Adhd-c (combined type)
Symptoms include frequent fidgeting, interrupting people, impatience, difficulty focusing, finishing
tasks, and following instructions
The parents were horrified by the diagnosis of adhd-c, but relaxed after learning it was easily
treatable.
Concentrate
Focus all one's attention on an activity
The boy could only concentrate while taking stimulants such as ritalin.
Coordination
Using different body parts together smoothly and efficiently
A child playing jump rope or football needs a certain level of coordination to be successful.
Distracted
Unable to concentrate
Sam failed the test because he distracted by his classmates during the test.
Drawn away from
Taken
The girl was drawn away from here homework by the sound of an ice cream truck.
Executive functioning
Being able to store, process, and effectively use information
Executive functions are thought to be regulated by the frontal lobes of the brain.
Fidgety
Restless or uneasy
While many people get fidgety at the dentist, people with adhd can exhibit this behavior simply by
being bored.
Implied
Communicated indirectly
Sarcasm is a form of implied meaning which is often lost on young children.
Impulsive
Without thought or careful consideration
Lack of sleep or proper nutrition can be a cause of temporary impulsive behavior.
Literal
Exactly as it is written or spoken
The literal meaning of a text is exactly what it says.
Mood
Emotions and feelings
Proper diet and regular exercise can improve the mood of children and adults regardless of whether
they have adhd.
Peers
People of the same age and social class
A child with adhd often has a hard time making friends with his peers.
Adhd-hi (predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type)
Symptoms includes frequent fidgeting, interrupting people, impatience
Everyone thought the boy was intentionally annoying, but he just had adhd-hi.
Adhd-pi (predominantly inattentive type)
Symptoms include difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions
At first the girl's teachers thought she smart but was lazy, but she then they realized she had adhd-pi.
Share many similarities
Things are mostly alike
All mammals share many similarities including warm blood, teeth, and live birth.
Tantrum
A display of severe anger and frustration
The boy threw a temper tantrum when his mother said it was time to go home.
Task switching
Changing one's attention from one subject to another
Efficient task switching is a major part of good executive function.