Medical Supplies - English Vocabulary
Here is a list of some of the most common supplies found in doctors' offices, operating rooms and medical kits. Study the vocabulary and try the matching exercise.
Vocabulary
| term | meaning |
|---|---|
| antiseptic | liquid used to sterilize (clean) the surface of the skin |
| bandage | a cloth covering that is placed over a wound to prevent bleeding, swelling and infection |
| bandage scissors | tool used to cut bandages |
| blood pressure monitor | a tool that measures the force of blood flow through a person's body |
| dressing | protective covering that is placed over a wound |
| elastic tape | a thin roll of stretchy material that is sticky on one side |
| eye chart | a poster of letter, word, and number combinations of various sizes used to test a person's eyesight |
| forceps | instrument used during operations and medical procedures (assists the doctor in pulling, holding, and retrieving) |
| gauze | thin, netted material used for dressing wounds |
| hypodermic needle | sharp pointed metal piece that pricks the skin (attached to a syringe), used for taking blood or administering medicine |
| IV bag | the pouch that contains liquids to be pumped into a patient's body |
| medicine cup |
small plastic measuring cup |
| microscope |
equipment that makes small things appear larger than they are |
| otoscope | a device used for looking into a patient's ears |
| oxygen mask |
equipment that fits over the nose and mouth and supplies oxygen |
| privacy screen | an object that is used to separate the doctor and patient from others in an open room |
| scales | a device that measures a person's weight |
| stethoscope | equipment for listening to a person's heart and lungs |
| syringe | a cylinder-shaped piece that attaches to a needle and can be filled with liquid |
| table and head-rest paper | paper that is placed on an examining table or head-rest to prevent the spread of germs |
| test tube | glass cylinder that is filled with blood or other liquids and can be capped and placed in a storage area |
| thermometer | an instrument used to check a person's body temperature |
| vial | a small bottle or container used for storing liquids |
Matching Exercise
Match the comments with the supplies that are needed:
1. I can't catch my breath. 2. Prepare the examining table for the next patient. 3. We'll have to get a blood sample. 4. I need to sterilize the wound. 5. We'll have to feed him with liquids. 6. Let's find out your weight. 7. I need to examine the patient in private. 8. Let's check your vision. 9. Let's see if you are running a fever. 10. Can you cut this gauze for me? | a. table and head-rest paper b. thermometer c. oxygen mask d. hypodermic needle e. bandage scissors f. scales g. eye chart h. antiseptic i. IV bag j. privacy screen |
Answers: 8g, 9b, 10e, 1c, 6f, 7j, 2a, 3d, 4h, 5i