Examining a patient
When examining a patient, you should always consider the following points: introducing yourself, briefing the patient on what to expect in a clear and simple way, instructing the patient clearly and politely, showing sensitivity to the patient’s needs, talking the patient through procedures, and finally, sharing your findings with the patient.
Objectives:
- Prepare and reassure a patient during the examination
- Explain examination procedures
- Use verbs and prepositions when giving instructions
Preparation activity
What do you know about this topic in English?
Are the following phrases explanations, reasons for doing something or instructions on what to do? Drag and the drop the sentences provided into the correct sections(They are mixed up).
Explanations
Providing explanations of what you will be doing helps reassure clients and includes them in their care. This is especially important before touching a person.
- I’m going to
- I’ll be + verb-ing
- I need to ...
Reasons
Often it is helpful to give reasons why you are doing something or asking the client to do something.
- This will (help to ...)
- This way (we can ...)
- I’ll be doing this so that ...
Instructions
Let the patients know what they can expect. Give them polite instructions.
- This might hurt a bit.
- Now, I’d like you to ...
- If you could ...
- I just need you to ...
- Could you ..
- Can you, could you …. + infinitive
- Would you mind ….+ -ing
- If you can/could … + infinitive
- I want/I’d like you to …. + infinitive
Listen and repeat
Listen to the following examples and practice repeating the phrases.
Expressions and Examples 1: Verbs used in instructions
When you are giving instructions you will often use the imperative form of the verb, a command.
Bend down
Bend your elbow
Breathe in/breathe out
Close your eyes
Do this
Follow my finger with your eyes
Lie on your side
Lie down
Lift your leg/arm
Look straight ahead
Open your mouth
Pull as hard as you can
Push against my hand
Put your head down
Raise your leg
Roll onto your stomach
Rotate your hip
Sit up/down
Stand straight
Stretch out your legs
Take off your …
Tilt your head back
Touch your ...
Turn your head to the left
Expressions and examples 2: Provide positive reinforcement
That’s it.
That’s perfect.
Just like that.
Yes, you’ve got it.
That’s the idea!
That looks good.
Great.
That’s a good start.
You’re getting there.
This will take some time
Let’s Listen: Podcast
Listen to the following conversation between a health professional and a client. The health professional will perform a physical exam.