Nursing English 1 — Patient Assessment Vocabulary BE

The vocabulary of clinical assessment — vital signs, neurological observations, and the language of systematic patient evaluation.

Assessment vocabulary in clinical nursing

A systematic patient assessment depends on precise language. Whether you're documenting vital signs, performing a neurological check, or completing a pain assessment, the right terminology ensures accurate records and clear communication with the wider clinical team. This exercise covers the assessment vocabulary you need at the bedside.

Ready to practice! Let's go!

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

AVPU
baseline
capillary refill
GCS
NEWS score
oxygen saturation
peripheral
pyrexia
tachycardia
urinalysis

1. The patient's is 38.9°C — she has a temperature and needs to be reviewed.

2. His heart rate is 112 — he's in and I've informed the registrar.

3. The assesses a patient's level of consciousness: Alert, Voice, Pain, or Unresponsive.

4. His is 14 out of 15 — he lost one point on eye opening and one on verbal response.

5. Check the by pressing the fingernail — it should return to pink within two seconds.

6. His is 96% on room air — I've increased his oxygen to 2 litres via nasal cannula.

7. Document the patient's observations at admission so any deterioration can be identified.

8. He has oedema — his ankles are swollen but there's no sign of central involvement.

9. His is 7, which has triggered a review under the sepsis protocol.

10. The showed trace protein and leucocytes — a urine culture has been sent.