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Basic Spanish for Physical Exam for Medical Professionals
Spanish and Medicine
As anyone in the medical field knows, it is becoming increasingly useful for medical professionals to speak Spanish. The more Spanish you speak, the less you have to rely on a medical interpreter. You should ALWAYS get a medical interpreter for your Spanish-speaking patients if you are not FLUENT in Spanish, but this Spanish can help you do a basic physical exam while you are waiting for an interpreter or so that you can maximize your time with the interpreter by using them for a thorough history and for discussing your treatment plan instead of translating these easy to learn phrases.
If you are interested in learning more Spanish, check out SpanishPod101.com. I wrote a review of the Podcast here.
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Phrases and Commands for Physical Exam
General
No tenga miedo.
Don't be afraid. (Great for Pediatrics)
Indique dónde le duele (con un dedo).
Show me where it hurts (with one finger).
HEENT
Abra la boca.
Open your mouth.
Saque la lengua.
Stick out your tongue.
Diga "ah."
Say "ah."
Voy a examinar la nariz.
I'm going to examine your nose.
... los oídos.
...your ears
...los ojos.
...your eyes
No se mueva.
Don't move.
Mire la luz.
Look at the light.
...este punto.
...this dot/point.
Heart
Respire normal.
Breathe normally.
No respire.
Don't breathe.
Lungs
Respire profundo.
Breathe deeply.
Otra vez.
Again. Another time.
Tos.
Cough
Abdomen
Acuéstese (boca arriba).
Lie down (on your back).
¿Le duele aquí?
Does it hurt here?
¿Más dolor aquí o acá?
More pain here or here?
Genitourinary
Necesito examinar la genitalia.
I need to examine your genitalia.
Desvístase, por favor.
Get undressed, please.
Póngase la bata.
Put on the gown.
Puede vestirse ahora.
You can get dressed now.
Musculoskeletal
Siéntese.
Sit down.
Doble el brazo.
Bend your arm.
… la rodilla.
… your knee.
… el tobillo.
…. your ankle.
Extienda el brazo.
Extend your arm.
Haga esto.
Do this.
Neurologic
Haga esto.
Do this.
Mire el dedo.
Watch my finger.
… la luz.
... the light.
Are there any other phrases you wish you had to help with a physical exam?
Comments
This is really cool. Today, I was training an MA on workflow changes to meet meaningful use objectives. The Nurse Practioner walks out of the exam room and complains to the MA that there needs to be two people on staff today because she doesn't speak Spanish. :) And, now I see this article. LMFAO at the moment. Thank you. This will be copied and passed on to a few medical practices here in Central CA.