CILISAT - Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tools Specialized Terminology: Medical Questions and Answers

Question 1

A doctor's prescription instructs a patient to take a medication 'BID'. How should the interpreter convey this instruction to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Twice a day

Answer

Three times a day

Answer

As needed

Answer

Once a day

Question 2

During an appointment, a physician states, 'Given your symptoms and the lab results showing high creatinine levels, I am referring you to a nephrologist.' An interpreter should explain that a nephrologist is a specialist in what area?

Accepted Answer

Kidney diseases

Answer

Nerve and brain disorders

Answer

Heart and blood vessel conditions

Answer

Lung and respiratory problems

Question 3

A patient tells the triage nurse, 'I had an episode of syncope this morning.' Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of 'syncope'?

Accepted Answer

A temporary loss of consciousness, or fainting

Answer

A feeling of the room spinning

Answer

Sudden difficulty breathing

Answer

A severe, throbbing headache

Question 4

A patient is scheduled for a 'biopsy' to investigate a suspicious lump. What does this procedure primarily involve?

Accepted Answer

Removing a small sample of tissue for laboratory examination

Answer

Using sound waves to create an image of an internal organ

Answer

Inserting a flexible tube with a camera to view a body cavity

Answer

Injecting a dye to make blood vessels visible on an X-ray

Question 5

In a urology clinic, the doctor explains, 'Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureter, and from the bladder to the outside through the urethra.' To avoid confusion, the interpreter must correctly distinguish these two terms. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ureter is the tube from the kidney to the bladder; the urethra is from the bladder to the outside.

Answer

Both terms refer to the same tube.

Answer

The ureter is the tube from the bladder to the outside; the urethra is from the kidney to the bladder.

Answer

The ureter is part of the digestive system; the urethra is part of the urinary system.

Question 6

A nurse gives a patient pre-operative instructions, including 'NPO after midnight'. What should the interpreter communicate to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Nothing to eat or drink.

Answer

A light meal is permitted before bed.

Answer

You may only have clear liquids like water or apple juice.

Answer

Take all your medications with a small sip of water.