Functions of the body

A health professional will often have to investigate presenting complaints by asking questions related to the functions of the body. The five senses are smell, taste, sight, hearing, and touch.

Objectives:

  • Ask questions pertaining to the senses
  • Ask questions about bodily functions to investigate patient complaints

Listen and repeat

Listen to the following examples and practice repeating the phrases.

Expressions and Examples: Body Functions

Asking about the 5 senses

How is your appetite?

Can you eat solid food?

Do you have any trouble swallowing?

Is your hearing normal?

How is your eyesight?

Have you noticed any numbness in your fingers?

Asking about speech, mobility, respiration

How is your sense of balance?

Do you have any trouble getting around?

Do you have trouble walking?

Do you have any difficulties with your speech?

Are you having breathing difficulties, inhaling or exhaling?

Asking about urination, defecation, and menstruation

Do you have difficulty passing water?

Do you have any pain when you pass stools?

When was your last period?

Let’s Listen: Podcast

In this podcast, a wife has brought her husband to the emergency room.