Importance of Medical Terminology in Clinical Communication

Running head: NURSING
NURSING
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

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1.INTRODUCTION
As a health care practitioner, it is extremely important that one is fluent with the
communication part as every health care practioner plays a very important role in the health
care process. Just like a therapeutic communication is important for the ease of patient
understanding and cure of the patient – it is similarly and equally important to have an
effective professional communication with peers and the other disciplinary professionals such
as doctors, allied health professionals and the medical technologists. While all these clinical
communications are regarding the condition and treatment of the patient, there are also
various sets of medical terminologies used to decipher and interpret the exact clinical
meaning of an ‘instruction’, in an effective way (D’Angelo et al. 2017). These terminologies
are used in both verbal (oral) and non-verbal (written) communications and are of key
importance in a clinical scenario to deliver a patient care service effectively and
collaboratively. In this report, the various types of communication where I, as a health care
practitioner have used my knowledge of medical terminology with the different health care
professional.
2.UNDERSTANDING OF A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
2.1Instance 1: GP to X-RAY RADIOLOGIST
‘I am Dr. Stephen Edwards and my patient Mr. Jones, 53 years jas been diagnosed with
myocardial infarction. He has tachycardia and tachypnoea as well. He was admitted in the
hospital on 4th of July following a RTA. He was given blood transfusions and fluid
resuscitations following the traumatic event in order to stabilize the hypovolemia. During the
general examination and respiratory assessment of the patient - an obstructive breathing was
observed. This was initially thought to be a sign that has resulted from the accident itself. Mr

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Jones complained of pain on left side of the chest and when diagnosed, it was a gastric pain
as the patient missed meals. Yesterday night the patient has been coughing and wheezing
when late in the night, about 5 hours after meal – the patient complained of chest pain. GTN
was administered and the subject was relived of pain. However, we suspect a respiratory
involvement in the case. Patient had episodes of orthostatic hypotension and unstable Angina.
Request a chest X-ray.’
GP to Physical Therapist –
‘I am Dr. Robert Jones and Mr. Hope, 63 years is cuurently under my care. He was admitted
in the hospital on 4th of July following a dyspnoea attack. He was given ventilation following
the event in order to stabilize his respiration. During the general examination and respiratory
assessment of the patient - an obstructive breathing was observed. Patient has tachycardia
and tachypnoea. He has problems with breathing while walking, sitting, eating solid food and
even sometimes during rest. Patient has a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and
myocardial infraction. He has undergone bypass surgery about 3 years back and is now living
with wife at third floor. Mrs. Hope has complained of similar dyspnoea episodes while Mr.
Hope walked the stairs. Request an exercise plan and cardiac rehabilitation for the patient.’
Neurologist to a Cardiologist
‘I am Dr. Tom Walkers and my patient Mr. Richards, 73 years was admitted in the hospital
on 5th of August following a CVA. He was given ventilation following the event in order to
stabilize his respiration. Performing the general examination and neurological assessment –
the patient was found in an acute confusional state. Patient has symptoms tachycardia and
tachypnoea. The subject has hypersomnia and is drowsy most of the times. Patient has a
history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infraction and has undergone
angioplasty 5 years back. He is on beta blockers and antihypertensive medications. He has