Healthcare English 5 — Describing Symptoms & Conditions AE

How to describe what you see and hear — the clinical vocabulary for communicating symptoms and conditions clearly to the nursing team.

Vocabulary in context

When you observe a change in a resident's condition, you need to describe it accurately to the nurse or doctor. Vague descriptions delay treatment; precise ones enable it. This exercise covers the vocabulary of clinical observation — the words that help you describe pain, behaviour, and physical symptoms in a way that means something to a healthcare professional.

Ready to practice! Let's go!

Fill in each blank with the correct word from the list:

agitated
confusion
cyanosis
disorientated
edema
lethargic
pain scale
pallor
shortness of breath
vital signs

1. The resident is rating her pain at 8 out of 10 on the — please inform the nurse immediately.

2. He has noticeable around his ankles — his socks left deep marks when removed.

3. She seems — she doesn't know what day it is and thinks she's still at home.

4. The resident's lips have turned slightly blue — this needs to be reported urgently.

5. Mr. Johnson has been all morning — he keeps trying to get out of bed and remove his clothing.

6. Please take and document the including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

7. The patient's is notable — his skin looks pale and almost grey.

8. She is experiencing and is struggling to complete full sentences when she speaks.

9. He has been all day — barely responding, sleeping through meals, and difficult to rouse.

10. The resident is showing signs of acute , asking where she is and calling for people who are not present.