Dialogues with a nurse during a hospital admission
Discussing Medical History
Patient: Good morning, Iβm here for my admission.
Nurse: Good morning! Letβs start with your medical history. Do you have any chronic conditions we should know about?
Patient: Yes, I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Nurse: Okay, are you currently taking any medication for these conditions?
Patient: Yes, Iβm on Metformin and Lisinopril.
Nurse: Great, weβll make a note of that. Any allergies to medications?
Patient: No, none that Iβm aware of.
![scene in a hospital setting, depicting a conversation between a patient and a nurse](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/scene-in-a-hospital-setting-depicting-a-conversation-between-a-patient-and-a-nurse-1024x1024.png)
Understanding Care Procedures
Patient: Can you explain what the procedure will involve?
Nurse: Certainly! Youβre scheduled for a gallbladder removal. Itβs a laparoscopic surgery, so itβs minimally invasive.
Patient: Will I be under general anesthesia?
Nurse: Yes, you will be. After the surgery, youβll be in recovery where weβll monitor you until youβre awake.
Patient: How long will the recovery take?
Nurse: Typically, patients are observed for a few hours before being moved to a regular room.
![a conversation between a patient and a nurse](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/a-conversation-between-a-patient-and-a-nurse-1024x1024.png)
Learning About Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Patient: Iβm a little nervous about my stay. What are my rights as a patient?
Nurse: You have the right to be informed about your care, to privacy, and to make decisions about your treatment.
Patient: And what are my responsibilities?
Nurse: We ask that you provide accurate health information, follow your recommended treatment plan, and respect hospital policies and staff.
Patient: Thank you, that makes me feel more at ease.
![image in a hospital setting. The scene features two characters_ a patient and a nurse](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-in-a-hospital-setting.-The-scene-features-two-characters_-a-patient-and-a-nurse-1024x1024.png)
Inquiring About Post-Operative Care
Patient: What should I expect after the surgery?
Nurse: Post-operatively, weβll manage any pain or discomfort you have. Weβll also gradually have you start moving and walking.
Patient: Will there be special instructions for when I go home?
Nurse: Absolutely. Youβll receive guidelines for diet, wound care, and any necessary follow-up appointments.
![A cartoon image set in a hospital room. The scene shows a concerned patient lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by medical equipment.](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-cartoon-image-set-in-a-hospital-room.-The-scene-shows-a-concerned-patient-lying-in-a-hospital-bed-surrounded-by-medical-equipment.--1024x1024.png)
Inquiring About Test Procedures
Patient: Could you tell me more about the MRI test Iβm scheduled for?
Nurse: Of course. An MRI is a non-invasive imaging test. Youβll need to lie still in the MRI machine for about 30 minutes.
Patient: Is there anything special I need to do to prepare?
Nurse: Just remove any metal objects or jewelry. If you feel claustrophobic, let us know so we can make you more comfortable.
![A patient, a middle-aged Caucasian male, is standing and talking to a nurse, a young Black female](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-patient-a-middle-aged-Caucasian-male-is-standing-and-talking-to-a-nurse-a-young-Black-female-1024x1024.png)
Addressing Pain Management
Patient: Iβm experiencing quite a bit of pain in my leg.
Nurse: Iβm sorry to hear that. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain?
Patient: Itβs around a 7.
Nurse: Iβll inform your doctor and see if we can adjust your pain medication to make you more comfortable.
![illustration of a patient and a nurse in a hospital setting](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/illustration-of-a-patient-and-a-nurse-in-a-hospital-setting-1024x1024.png)
Discussing Sleep Arrangements
Patient: Iβve been having trouble sleeping in the hospital.
Nurse: I understand, it can be difficult. Are you experiencing discomfort or noise issues?
Patient: Itβs a bit noisy, and the bed isnβt very comfortable.
Nurse: Let me see if we can find you a quieter room and maybe an extra pillow for better comfort.
![illustration of a patient and a nurse having a conversation in a hospital room](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/illustration-of-a-patient-and-a-nurse-having-a-conversation-in-a-hospital-room-1024x1024.png)
Understanding Post-Operation Mobility
Patient: Iβm worried about walking after my knee surgery.
Nurse: Itβs normal to be concerned. Weβll start with some gentle physiotherapy as soon as youβre able. Itβs important to get moving to aid your recovery.
Patient: Will it be painful?
Nurse: There might be some discomfort, but weβll manage your pain and ensure youβre supported throughout the process.
![A patient with a concerned expression is sitting on a hospital bed, their leg in a post-surgery knee brace](https://englishdialogues.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-patient-with-a-concerned-expression-is-sitting-on-a-hospital-bed-their-leg-in-a-post-surgery-knee-brace-1024x1024.png)
Useful Phrases
π€ βIβm feeling unwell/sick.β β Expressing general discomfort or illness.
π βCan you explain what this medication is for?β β Inquiring about prescribed medications.
π‘οΈ βCould you check my temperature, please?β β Requesting a temperature check.
π βIβm in pain here.β β Indicating a specific area of pain.
π₯ βI have dietary restrictions/allergies.β β Informing about dietary needs or allergies.
π€ βIβm having trouble sleeping.β β Discussing sleep-related issues.
π¨ βIβm feeling anxious/nervous about this procedure.β β Expressing anxiety or nervousness.
π βCan you explain the test results to me?β β Asking for clarification on test results.
πΆ βWhen can I start walking/moving around?β β Inquiring about mobility post-treatment or surgery.
π₯ βWhat do I need to know about my discharge plan?β β Asking about discharge instructions and aftercare.
π βCan I contact you or the team if I have questions after I leave?β β Requesting information on post-discharge communication.
π βWill this procedure hurt?β β Asking about discomfort or pain associated with a procedure.
π
βWhen is my next appointment or procedure?β β Confirming schedule for follow-up appointments or treatments.
π βCan you help me get more comfortable in bed?β β Requesting assistance for physical comfort.
π βWho should I talk to about my overall treatment plan?β β Seeking information on whom to discuss comprehensive care plans.
Vocabulary
- π€ Pain β To describe any physical discomfort or pain.
- π Medication β Referring to any drugs or pills prescribed.
- π‘οΈ Temperature β When talking about body temperature or fever.
- π½ Bathroom β If needing assistance to go to the restroom.
- π₯€ Hydration β Discussing needs for water or fluids.
- π΄ Sleep β Mentioning issues or needs related to sleep.
- π² Food β Talking about meals, diet, or appetite.
- π Injection β Referring to any shots or IVs.
- π Symptoms β Describing any signs of illness or changes in health.
- π Comfort β Expressing a need for comfort or relief.
- π Rest β Discussing the need for rest or relaxation.
- π¬ Worry β Expressing concerns or fears about health or procedures.
- π Schedule β Asking about the timing of treatments or tests.
- π Contact β Requesting contact information for follow-up or questions.
- π₯ Discharge β Inquiring about the process of leaving the hospital.
- π©Ί Examination β Referring to a physical check-up or assessment.
- 𧴠Lotion/Cream β Requesting skin care products for dryness or irritation.
- π Sweating β Mentioning excessive sweating, possibly indicating fever or discomfort.
- π₯± Fatigue β Expressing tiredness or lack of energy.
- π€’ Nausea β Discussing feelings of sickness or the urge to vomit.
- π€§ Allergies β Talking about allergic reactions or sensitivities.
- π©Ή Bandage β Requesting a bandage for a wound or injury.
- π€ Fever β Specifically mentioning having a fever.
- π©Έ Bleeding β Discussing any kind of bleeding issue.
- 𦡠Mobility β Talking about the ability to walk or move.
- π Hearing β Discussing issues related to hearing.
- ποΈ Vision β Talking about sight or visual issues.
- π§ Headache/Migraine β Mentioning a headache or migraine.
- π¬οΈ Breathing β Discussing respiratory issues or shortness of breath.
- π©Ί Vitals β Referring to vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure.