An Unexpected Hospital Visit

Rahul develops a high fever that won't go down, so Priya takes him to the hospital for a check-up and some tests.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, Doctor, Nurse

Key words and phrases

symptomssigns that show something is wrong with the bodyHis symptoms include fever and body ache.

check-upan examination to assess a person's healthThe doctor did a thorough check-up.

blood testa test done on a blood sample to detect illnessThe blood test will confirm the infection.

prescriptiona doctor's written instruction for medicineThe doctor handed over the prescription.

admitto formally bring a patient into a hospital for treatmentThe doctor decided to admit him for observation.

IV dripa tube that delivers fluids or medicine directly into a veinHe was put on an IV drip for hydration.

recoverto become healthy again after illnessHe recovered fully within a week.

dischargeto officially allow a patient to leave the hospitalHe was discharged after two days.

infectionan illness caused by harmful germs entering the bodyIt turned out to be a viral infection.

emergency wardthe hospital section that treats urgent medical casesThey rushed him to the emergency ward.

temperaturethe measure of body heat, checked to detect feverThe nurse checked his temperature every hour.

vitalsbasic body measurements such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressureThe nurse recorded his vitals before the doctor arrived.

warda section of a hospital where patients stayHe was moved to the general ward that evening.

medicationmedicine given to treat an illnessThe nurse gave him his medication on time.

dosagethe amount and frequency of a medicine to be takenFollow the dosage mentioned on the prescription.

X-rayan imaging test used to look inside the bodyThe doctor ordered an X-ray of his chest.

stethoscopean instrument doctors use to listen to the heart and lungsThe doctor placed the stethoscope on his chest.

pulsethe rhythmic beat of blood through the arteriesThe nurse checked his pulse at the wrist.

blood pressurethe force of blood pushing against artery wallsHis blood pressure was slightly high due to the fever.

side effectsunwanted reactions caused by a medicineThe medicine may cause mild side effects like drowsiness.

Useful sentences

Ask What symptoms is he showing?
Answer He has a high fever and body ache since yesterday.
Ask Do we need to do any tests?
Answer Yes, let's do a blood test to check for infection.
Ask Will he need to be admitted?
Answer Let's wait for the test results first.
Ask When can he be discharged?
Answer If he recovers well, he can go home tomorrow.
Ask Is this fever due to an infection?
Answer Yes, it looks like a viral infection.
Ask Has the nurse checked his vitals yet?
Answer Yes, his pulse and blood pressure are both normal.
Ask What's the dosage for this medication?
Answer Two tablets a day, after meals.
Ask Are there any side effects of this medicine?
Answer It might cause mild drowsiness, that's all.
Ask Does he need an X-ray as well?
Answer No, the blood test result was enough for the diagnosis.
Ask Which ward will he stay in tonight?
Answer He'll be in the general ward under observation.

Dialogue

PriyaDoctor, his fever hasn't gone down since yesterday.

DoctorLet me examine him and run a quick blood test.

NurseThe blood test shows a mild viral infection.

DoctorI'll write a prescription, and he should rest well.

PriyaShould we be worried, doctor?

DoctorNo, he should recover fully within a few days with rest and medicine.

NurseI've noted his vitals — his pulse and blood pressure are normal.

PriyaAre there any side effects we should watch for with this medication?

DoctorJust mild drowsiness, nothing to worry about.

PriyaThank you, doctor. We'll follow the dosage carefully.

Common mistakes

Saying "he is admit in hospital" instead of "he has been admitted to hospital" or "he was admitted."
Saying "discharge from the hospital" as a verb without "was/is" — say "he was discharged from the hospital."
Saying "take a blood test" instead of "do a blood test" or "have a blood test done."
Saying "check the vital" instead of "check the vitals," which is always used in plural form.
Saying "medicine dose" instead of the more standard term "dosage" when referring to how much and how often to take medicine.
Saying "reaction of the medicine" instead of "side effects of the medicine."

Quick quiz

1. What is a "check-up"?

2. A doctor's written instruction for medicine is called a ___.

3. Complete: "He was ___ after two days."

4. What are "vitals"?

5. The instrument doctors use to listen to the heart and lungs is called a ___.

6. Complete: "The medicine may cause mild ___ like drowsiness."

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