Talking about Health: Master Conversational English for Health Discussions

Question 1

What specific term would you use to describe a sudden, sharp pain in your chest?

Accepted Answer

I have a stabbing pain in my chest.

Answer

My chest is throbbing.

Answer

There's a dull ache in my chest.

Answer

I feel a tightness in my chest.

Question 2

When someone responds to the question "How are you feeling?" with "I'm not feeling my best," what does this typically indicate about their health status?

Accepted Answer

They are not feeling well.

Answer

They are feeling neutral.

Answer

They are feeling great.

Question 3

What is a common potential side effect of taking antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Upset stomach

Answer

Improved sleep

Answer

Clearer skin

Answer

Increased appetite

Question 4

Which of the following statements expresses concern about someone's health in an empathetic manner?

Accepted Answer

I am concerned about your health.

Answer

Are you absolutely certain that you are okay?

Answer

You should see a doctor immediately.

Answer

You look unwell.

Question 5

Which of the following is considered a healthy habit?

Accepted Answer

Eating a balanced diet

Answer

Staying up late

Answer

Drinking alcohol excessively

Answer

Smoking cigarettes

Question 6

Which of the following is a common symptom of the common cold?

Accepted Answer

Runny nose

Answer

Vomiting

Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Difficulty breathing

Question 7

What type of doctor specializes in the treatment of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Neurologist

Answer

Psychiatrist

Answer

Surgeon

Answer

Cardiologist

Question 8

Which of the following is a risk factor for heart disease?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

Low cholesterol

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Healthy diet

Question 9

What is the name of the insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance

Answer

Homeowners insurance

Answer

Auto insurance

Answer

Life insurance

Question 10

What should you do before taking a new medication?

Accepted Answer

Read the instructions carefully

Answer

Take it as often as possible

Answer

Share it with your friends

Answer

Ignore any side effects

Question 11

Which of the following is a healthy habit?

Accepted Answer

Exercise regularly

Answer

Stay up late every night

Answer

Smoke cigarettes

Answer

Eat processed foods

Question 12

What should you do if you have a persistent cough?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor

Answer

Self-treat with cough syrup

Answer

Ignore it and hope it goes away

Answer

Take antibiotics without a prescription

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a part of the musculoskeletal system?

Accepted Answer

Skin

Answer

Joints

Answer

Bones

Answer

Muscles

Question 14

Which phrase is used to express concern about someone's health in a polite manner?

Accepted Answer

Are you feeling okay?

Answer

Are you hurting?

Answer

What's wrong with you?

Answer

Are you ill?

Question 15

How would you appropriately ask someone if they have any allergies to consider?

Accepted Answer

Do you have any known allergies?

Answer

Are you prone to allergies?

Answer

Are you allergic to anything in particular?

Answer

What specific allergies do you have?

Question 16

Which expression is used to describe a headache that is not severe?

Accepted Answer

I have a mild headache.

Answer

My head is throbbing.

Answer

I'm suffering from a migraine.

Question 17

How would you politely ask someone to repeat what they said to ensure understanding?

Accepted Answer

Could you please repeat that?

Answer

What was that again?

Answer

Speak up, I can't hear you.

Answer

I didn't catch that.

Question 18

How would you ask a medical professional for a written prescription for medication?

Accepted Answer

Can I have a prescription for this medication?

Answer

Can you recommend something?

Answer

What medication do I need?

Answer

I need some pills.

Question 19

Which expression is used to describe a health condition that persists over a long period?

Accepted Answer

I have a chronic illness.

Answer

I have a broken bone.

Answer

I'm experiencing discomfort.

Answer

I'm feeling under the weather.

Question 20

How would you inquire about potential side effects of a medication from a pharmacist?

Accepted Answer

Are there any known side effects of this medication?

Answer

What is the dosage for this medication?

Answer

How long should I take this medication?

Answer

What is the active ingredient in this medication?

Question 21

When describing a headache, which of the following is the most accurate description?

Accepted Answer

A dull, throbbing pain in the head

Answer

A numb feeling in the arm

Answer

A sharp, stabbing pain in the eye

Answer

A burning sensation in the throat

Question 22

What is the appropriate action to take if you suspect someone is experiencing a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical help immediately (e.g., 911).

Answer

Walk them around to increase blood flow.

Answer

Give them aspirin and have them rest.

Answer

Tell them to take a warm shower to relax.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a common cause of back pain?

Accepted Answer

Kidney stones

Answer

Poor posture

Answer

Muscle strain

Answer

Arthritis

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of taking a medical history?

Accepted Answer

To gather information about a patient's health conditions, lifestyle, and family history.

Answer

To prescribe medication without a physical examination.

Answer

To determine a patient's insurance coverage.

Question 25

When experiencing a persistent cough, what is the recommended first step in seeking medical advice?

Accepted Answer

Visit a primary care physician.

Answer

Go to the emergency room.

Answer

Ignore the cough and hope it goes away.

Answer

Self-medicate with over-the-counter cough syrup.

Question 26

Which of the following is a common symptom of the flu?

Accepted Answer

Fever, chills, and body aches.

Answer

Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Answer

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Answer

Skin rash, joint pain, and fatigue.

Question 27

What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of colds and flu?

Accepted Answer

Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Answer

Drinking plenty of fluids.

Answer

Taking antibiotics.

Question 28

Which of these is NOT a typical symptom of a cold?

Accepted Answer

High fever

Answer

Runny nose

Answer

Sneezing

Answer

Sore throat

Question 29

What should you do if you experience chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Seek medical attention immediately, as chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack.

Answer

Drinking plenty of fluids is not an appropriate response to chest pain.

Answer

Taking aspirin is not recommended for chest pain, as it can worsen the condition.

Answer

Resting at home is not advisable if you are experiencing chest pain.

Question 30

What does 'allergy' mean?

Accepted Answer

An allergy is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless.

Answer

A disease caused by bacteria is not the same as an allergy.

Answer

A mental disorder is not related to allergies.

Question 31

Which of the following is a benefit of regular exercise?

Accepted Answer

Improved cardiovascular health is a benefit of regular exercise because it strengthens the heart and circulatory system.

Answer

Reduced flexibility is not a benefit of regular exercise.

Answer

Increased risk of injury is not a benefit of regular exercise.

Answer

Loss of muscle mass is not a benefit of regular exercise.

Question 32

What is the purpose of a thermometer?

Accepted Answer

A thermometer is used to measure body temperature.

Answer

A glucometer is used to monitor blood sugar levels.

Answer

A sphygmomanometer is used to check blood pressure.

Answer

A stethoscope is used to listen to heart sounds.

Question 33

Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue is a sign of dehydration because it indicates a lack of fluids in the body.

Answer

Increased energy is not a sign of dehydration.

Answer

Reduced thirst is a symptom of dehydration.

Answer

Improved concentration is not a sign of dehydration.

Question 34

What does 'chronic disease' mean?

Accepted Answer

A chronic disease is a long-term health condition that cannot be cured but can be managed.

Answer

A short-term illness is not the same as a chronic disease.

Answer

A mental disorder is not the same as a chronic disease.

Answer

A contagious disease can spread to others, unlike a chronic disease.

Question 35

You have a bad cough and feel feverish. How would you tell a doctor about your symptoms?

Accepted Answer

I've been having a bad cough and I feel feverish.

Answer

I need some medicine.

Answer

My head hurts and I can't breathe.

Answer

I'm not feeling well.

Question 36

You need to see a doctor. What's a natural way to ask for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I'd like to make an appointment to see the doctor.

Answer

I need to talk to the doctor urgently.

Answer

I'm sick and need a doctor right now.

Answer

Can I see the doctor today?

Question 37

You're talking to a new doctor. How would you mention you have allergies?

Accepted Answer

I have a history of allergies.

Answer

I have some health problems.

Answer

I'm allergic to many things.

Answer

I'm sensitive to some foods.

Question 38

You need to describe a pain in your back. What's the clearest way to do this?

Accepted Answer

I have a pain in my lower back.

Answer

I have back problems.

Answer

It hurts when I bend over.

Answer

My back hurts.

Question 39

You're at the pharmacy to get your prescription. What's the usual phrase?

Accepted Answer

I'm here to pick up my prescription.

Answer

Can I get my medicine here?

Answer

I need some medicine, please.

Answer

I have a prescription from my doctor.

Question 40

You're unwell and need a day off work. What's a professional way to tell your boss?

Accepted Answer

I'm not feeling well and need to take a sick day.

Answer

I'm not feeling good and need to stay home.

Answer

I'm not feeling well today, so I'm taking a break.

Answer

I'm sick and can't come to work.

Question 41

You're telling a friend you've been tired. What's a natural way to say this?

Accepted Answer

I've been feeling really tired lately.

Answer

I'm completely exhausted.

Answer

I'm always sleepy.

Answer

I'm tired.

Question 42

Which of these is NOT a typical symptom of the flu?

Accepted Answer

Nausea

Answer

Muscle aches

Answer

Fever

Answer

Chills

Question 43

If you have a cough that doesn't go away, what's the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor for a checkup.

Answer

Take over-the-counter cough syrup.

Answer

Try home remedies like honey and lemon tea.

Answer

Ignore it and hope it goes away on its own.

Question 44

Which of these medications typically requires a prescription from a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Aspirin

Question 45

Which of these is considered a healthy habit?

Accepted Answer

Exercising regularly.

Answer

Eating junk food frequently.

Answer

Smoking cigarettes.

Answer

Staying up late most nights.

Question 46

While traveling, you start to feel sick. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Inform your travel companion or tour guide.

Answer

Try to hide your symptoms and keep it to yourself.

Answer

Self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs.

Answer

Ignore the symptoms and hope they go away.

Question 47

Which of these is NOT a benefit of regular exercise?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of heart disease.

Answer

Better sleep quality.

Answer

Improved mood and overall well-being.

Answer

Reduced stress levels.

Question 48

Which of the following is a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain.

Answer

Headache.

Answer

Stomach ache.

Answer

Nausea.

Question 49

If you're experiencing severe pain, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Go to the emergency room immediately.

Answer

Take over-the-counter pain relievers and wait to see if it gets better.

Answer

Try to ignore it and hope it goes away on its own.

Question 50

When scheduling a check-up with a new doctor, the most appropriate phrase to use is:

Accepted Answer

I'd like to schedule an appointment for a general physical exam.

Answer

I need to see a doctor.

Answer

Can you give me an appointment?

Answer

I'd like to schedule a doctor's visit.

Question 51

Which of the following phrases best describes the intensity of a sharp, sudden pain?

Accepted Answer

Excruciating

Answer

Aching

Answer

Pulsating

Answer

Throbbing

Question 52

If you need immediate medical attention, the best way to convey your urgency is to say:

Accepted Answer

I have a medical emergency and need to see a doctor immediately.

Answer

I'm not feeling well and need to be seen.

Answer

I need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Question 53

To inquire about the potential side effects of a medication, you should ask:

Accepted Answer

What are the possible side effects of taking this medication?

Answer

Is this medication safe for me?

Answer

How long do I need to take this medication?

Question 54

The term 'over-the-counter' in relation to medication indicates:

Accepted Answer

You can purchase it without a doctor's prescription.

Answer

You can only buy it at the hospital pharmacy.

Answer

It's a very strong medication.

Answer

You need a special license to buy it.

Question 55

To describe a cough that persists and won't go away, you could say:

Accepted Answer

I have a persistent cough that I can't seem to shake.

Answer

I'm coughing up blood.

Answer

I have difficulty breathing.

Answer

My throat is a little scratchy.

Question 56

Making a 'follow-up appointment' means:

Accepted Answer

Scheduling another appointment to check on your condition.

Answer

Transferring your care to another doctor.

Answer

Asking for a second opinion.

Answer

Canceling your current appointment.

Question 57

When feeling overwhelmed by health concerns, an appropriate way to express this to the doctor is:

Accepted Answer

I'm feeling overwhelmed by all of this medical information. Can you help me understand my options?

Answer

I'm fine. I can handle it.

Answer

I don't have any questions.