A Physical Examination

Doctor: When did you last come in for a physical exam?
Patient: I had my last physical two years ago.

Doctor: Have you had any other exams recently? Blood work, an EKG or an ultra-sound?
Patient: Well, I had a few X-rays at the dentist's.

Doctor: How have you been feeling in general? 
Patient: Pretty well. No complaints, really.

Doctor: Could you roll up your left sleeve? I'd like to take your blood pressure.
Patient: Certainly.

Doctor: 120 over 80. That's fine. You don't seem to be overweight, that's good. Do you exercise regularly?
Patient: No, not really. If I run up a flight of stairs, it takes me a while to get my breath back. I need to get out more.

Doctor: That would be a good idea. How about your diet? 
Patient: I think I eat a pretty balanced diet. You know, I'll have a hamburger from time to time, but generally I have well-balanced meals.

Doctor: That's good. Now, I'm going to listen to your heart. 
Patient: Ooh, that's cold!

Doctor: Don't worry it's just my stethoscope. Now, breathe in and hold your breath. Please pull up your shirt, and breathe deeply... Everything sounds good. Let's take a look at your throat. Please open wide and say 'ah'.
Patient: 'ah'

Doctor: OK. Everything looks ship shape. I'm going to order some blood work and that's about it. Take this slip to the front desk and they'll arrange an appointment for the tests. 
Patient: Thank you doctor. Have a nice day.

Key Vocabulary

physical examination (exam)
blood work
EKG
ultra-sound
x-rays
to roll up sleeves
overweight - underweight
to exercise regularly
balanced diet
well-balanced meals
stethoscope
to breath in 
to hold one's breath
to pull on one's shirt
to breathe deeply
to open wide
to look ship shape
slip
front desk
to arrange an appointment

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

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