8 CHAPTER 8: SYMPTOMS AND SICKNESS
SYMPTOMS AND SICKNESS
Healthcare workers must understand Spanish, particularly regarding symptoms and medical terminology, to address the barriers Spanish-speaking communities face in accessing healthcare. Effective communication ensures accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments. By knowing Spanish, healthcare workers can assess conditions, discuss treatment options, and give clear post-care instructions, which helps patients understand and follow their care plans.
In emergencies, the ability to quickly identify and communicate symptoms is vital. Culturally sensitive discussions can build trust and improve patient satisfaction. Proficient Spanish speakers can also dispel misconceptions and promote preventive care.
Overall, understanding Spanish enables healthcare workers to provide equitable care to Spanish-speaking individuals, enhancing patient outcomes and strengthening the healthcare system’s capacity to serve diverse populations.
What to Find in this Chapter:
The “Symptoms and Sickness” chapter provides essential vocabulary and communication strategies to help healthcare professionals effectively engage with Spanish-speaking patients about their symptoms and health concerns. This chapter highlights the importance of accurate symptom assessment, especially since Spanish-speaking communities may face linguistic and cultural barriers when accessing healthcare services. By learning Spanish terminology related to symptoms, healthcare workers can enhance their diagnostic and treatment accuracy, offer clear explanations of care plans, and ensure that patients comprehend follow-up instructions. This ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
In emergency situations, where the rapid recognition of symptoms is critical, knowing the vocabulary for common symptoms can help healthcare providers communicate accurately and promptly. Furthermore, cultural sensitivity in discussing symptoms can strengthen rapport, build trust, and enable better health education.
The chapter includes vocabulary-building exercises, such as matching symptoms with their Spanish translations and associating symptoms with relevant anatomical terms. These activities aid healthcare workers in developing a solid foundation in medical Spanish. Communication activities, including role-playing patient care scenarios, allow participants to practice discussing symptoms in realistic healthcare settings, enhancing their ability to address various medical conditions. A pharmacy role-play activity also facilitates effective communication for common interactions, such as prescription pickups, ensuring that staff and Spanish-speaking patients have an accurate understanding of the information exchanged.
Through these exercises and activities, this chapter equips healthcare providers to bridge language gaps, improve patient care, and promote equitable healthcare access for Spanish-speaking individuals.
Vocabulary Activities:
1. Vocabulary Matching Activity: symptoms
Objective:
The goal of this activity is to improve participants’ ability to recognize and understand common symptoms in Spanish. By matching symptoms listed in English in column A with their correct translations in Spanish in column B, participants can expand their medical vocabulary. This exercise aims to enhance their ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients in healthcare settings, promoting accurate and empathetic patient interactions.
Match each term in English with its corresponding Spanish translation.
| Fever | Sangre en la orina |
| Headache | Dolor en el pecho |
| Fatigue | Confusión |
| Nausea | Dolor muscular |
| Vomiting | Dolor articular |
| Diarrhea | Zumbido en los oídos |
| Cough | Dificultad para tragar |
| Shortness of breath | Pérdida de peso |
| Chest pain | Pérdida de memoria |
| Abdominal pain | Cambios en los hábitos intestinales |
| Dizziness | Diarrea |
| Fainting | Cambios en la personalidad |
| Sore throat | Desmayo |
| Joint pain | Dolor de cabeza |
| Muscle pain | Hinchazón abdominal |
| Swelling | Pérdida de audición |
| Rash | Náuseas |
| Itching | Fatiga |
| Difficulty swallowing | Indigestión |
| Weight loss | Aumento de peso |
| Weight gain | Mareos |
| Constipation | Sed excesiva |
| Increased urination | Falta de aire |
| Decreased urination | Convulsiones |
| Frequent urination | Acidez estomacal |
| Blood in urine | Cambios en la visión |
| Blood in stool | Vómitos |
| Changes in bowel habits | Dolor abdominal |
| Bloating | Sudoración excesiva |
| Indigestion | Sudores nocturnos |
| Heartburn | Dolor de garganta |
| Loss of appetite | Micción frecuente |
| Excessive thirst | Estreñimiento |
| Night sweats | Ganglios linfáticos inflamados |
| Skin discoloration | Cambios en el color de la piel |
| Vision changes | Temblores |
| Hearing loss | Picazón |
| Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) | Mareos |
| Numbness or tingling | Mareos |
| Weakness | Cambios en los hábitos intestinales |
| Tremors | Caída del cabello |
| Seizures | Fatiga |
| Memory loss | Dolor de cabeza |
| Confusion | Sangre en las heces |
| Personality changes | Dolor muscular |
| Sleep disturbances | Dolor abdominal |
| Nightmares | Confusión |
| Excessive sweating | Indigestión |
| Hair loss | Hinchazón |
| Swollen lymph nodes | Micción frecuente |
2. Vocabulary Matching Activity: symptoms and anatomy
Objective:
The goal of this activity is to strengthen participants’ understanding of medical vocabulary by connecting symptoms to relevant anatomical categories in Spanish. By identifying which anatomical systems or body parts each symptom affects, participants will build their knowledge of both symptom terminology and anatomy. This exercise aims to enhance their ability to communicate clearly and accurately with Spanish-speaking patients, promoting effective and specific interactions in healthcare environments.
- From the list of symptoms provided, identify to which of the following anatomical categories they belong.
| Sangre en la orina | Diarrea | Mareos | Dolor de garganta | · Caída del cabello |
| Dolor en el pecho | Cambios en la personalidad | Sed excesiva | Micción frecuente | · Fatiga |
| Confusión | Desmayo | Falta de aire | Estreñimiento | · Dolor de cabeza |
| Dolor muscular | Dolor de cabeza | Convulsiones | Ganglios linfáticos inflamados | · Sangre en las heces |
| Dolor articular | Hinchazón abdominal | Acidez estomacal | Cambios en el color de la piel | · Dolor muscular |
| Zumbido en los oídos | Pérdida de audición | Cambios en la visión | Temblores | · Dolor abdominal |
| Dificultad para tragar | Náuseas | Vómitos | Picazón | · Confusión |
| Pérdida de peso | Fatiga | Dolor abdominal | Mareos | · Indigestión |
| Pérdida de memoria | Indigestión | Sudoración excesiva | Mareos | · Hinchazón |
| Cambios en los hábitos intestinales | Aumento de peso | Sudores nocturnos | Cambios en los hábitos intestinales | · Micción frecuente |
- Respiratory System (Sistema respiratorio)
- Digestive System (Sistema digestivo)
- Nervous System (Sistema nervioso)
- Circulatory System (Sistema circulatorio)
- Urinary System (Sistema urinario)
- Skin and Soft Tissues (Piel y tejidos blandos)
- Senses (Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth) (Sentidos (ojos, oidos, olfato y gusto)
- Endocrine and Metabolic (Endocrino y metabólico)
- Musculoskeletal System (sistema muscular y el esquelético)
2. check if you could identify the correct anatomic category of each symptom based on the following text:
El sistema respiratorio es vital para nuestra salud, pero a veces puede presentar problemas. La tos persistente, la dificultad para respirar y el dolor en el pecho son síntomas comunes que pueden indicar problemas respiratorios como la bronquitis o la neumonía. Las sibilancias, o pitidos al respirar, también pueden ser preocupantes y podrían señalar asma u otras afecciones pulmonares.
El sistema digestivo puede experimentar una variedad de síntomas desagradables. Las náuseas y los vómitos pueden ser signos de una infección estomacal o intoxicación alimentaria. La diarrea, el dolor abdominal y la indigestión son molestias comunes que pueden estar relacionadas con una serie de problemas digestivos, desde la gastroenteritis hasta la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.
El sistema nervioso controla nuestras funciones vitales y puede manifestar síntomas preocupantes. El dolor de cabeza, los mareos y la confusión pueden ser indicativos de problemas como la migraña o la deshidratación. La pérdida de memoria, los temblores y el hormigueo pueden ser signos de enfermedades neurológicas como el Alzheimer o la esclerosis múltiple.
El sistema circulatorio es responsable de transportar nutrientes y oxígeno por todo el cuerpo. La fiebre, la fatiga y los sudores nocturnos pueden indicar infecciones o trastornos inflamatorios. Las palpitaciones, el mareo y el sangrado excesivo pueden ser síntomas de problemas cardíacos o de coagulación.
El sistema urinario puede presentar síntomas incómodos que indican problemas. El dolor al orinar, la sangre en la orina y los cambios en la frecuencia urinaria pueden ser signos de infección urinaria o cálculos renales.
La piel y los tejidos blandos pueden experimentar una variedad de problemas. Las erupciones cutáneas, la picazón y los cambios en el color de la piel pueden indicar alergias o condiciones dermatológicas. La hinchazón y la caída del cabello también pueden ser preocupantes y requerir atención médica.
Los sentidos, como la vista y el oído, pueden verse afectados por una serie de condiciones. Los cambios en la visión, la pérdida de audición y el zumbido en los oídos pueden ser indicativos de problemas de salud subyacentes.
El sistema endocrino y metabólico regula nuestras hormonas y metabolismo. La pérdida o aumento de peso inexplicable, la sed excesiva y los cambios en el apetito pueden ser signos de desequilibrios hormonales o problemas metabólicos como la diabetes.
Finalmente, el sistema musculoesquelético puede experimentar dolor y molestias. El dolor articular y el dolor en el pecho pueden ser síntomas de afecciones como la artritis o la angina de pecho. Es importante prestar atención a estos síntomas y buscar atención médica si persisten o empeoran.
Communication activities:
1. Medical Role-Play: Patient Care Scenarios
Objective:
To practice communication skills in a healthcare setting and demonstrate an understanding of different medical conditions and their symptoms.
Preparation:
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- Form groups of three students each. Assign roles within your group: one student will be the Health Professional (Nurse), another will be the Medical Doctor, and the third will be the Patient.
- Each group will receive a printed or digital copy of one of the scenarios (food poisoning, flu, heart attack, head concussion, or alcohol overdose) along with the corresponding list of symptoms.
| Intoxicación Alimentaria: | Gripe (Influenza): | Ataque al Corazón: | Conmoción Cerebral: | Sobredosis de Alcohol (Intoxicación por Alcohol): |
| Náuseas | Fiebre | Dolor o molestias en el pecho | Dolor de cabeza | Confusión |
| Vómitos | Fatiga | Dolor o molestias en los brazos, espalda, cuello, mandíbula o estómago | Mareos | Vómitos |
| Diarrea | Tos | Dificultad para respirar | Náuseas o vómitos | Convulsiones |
| Dolor abdominal | Dolor de garganta | Náuseas | Confusión o problemas de memoria | Respiración lenta o irregular |
| Indigestión | Dolores musculares o corporales | Mareos | Visión borrosa | Hipotermia (temperatura corporal baja) |
| Cambios en los hábitos intestinales | Dolor de cabeza | Sudores fríos | Sensibilidad a la luz o al ruido | Inconsciencia o incapacidad para despertar |
| Sangre en las heces | Nariz congestionada o con secreción | desmayo | Pérdida de conciencia (en casos graves) | Piel azulada o pálida |
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Role-Play Activity:
- Choose one scenario from the list provided and review the symptoms associated with that condition.
- The student assigned as the Patient will act out the symptoms described in the scenario.
- The Health Professional (Nurse) and Medical Doctor will work together to ask questions, perform assessments, and provide appropriate care to the patient based on the symptoms presented.
- Use medical terminology and demonstrate empathy and professionalism during the role-play.
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Feedback and Discussion:
- After each role-play scenario, take turns providing feedback within your group.
- Discuss the effectiveness of communication, diagnosis accuracy, and treatment appropriateness provided by the healthcare providers.
- Share insights and observations from your role-play experience.
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Rotation:
- If time permits, rotate roles within your group so each student can be the Health Professional, Medical Doctor, and Patient.
- Repeat the role-play activity with a different scenario and set of symptoms.
2. Pharmacy Role-Play: Flu Prescription Pickup
Objective:
To practice communication skills in a pharmacy setting and facilitate understanding between English-speaking pharmacy staff and Spanish-speaking clients.
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Preparation:
- Designate one student to act as the Client, who only speaks Spanish, and two students to act as Pharmacy Employees 1 and 2.
- Provide the Client with a prescription for flu medication written in English.
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Role-Play Activity:
- The Client will approach Pharmacy Employees 1 and 2, presenting the prescription for flu medication in English.
- Pharmacy Employees 1 and 2 will attempt to communicate with the Client, who only speaks Spanish, to understand the nature of the prescription and provide the appropriate medication.
- To facilitate communication between the pharmacy staff and the client, use gestures, basic Spanish phrases, and visual aids (such as pointing to medication labels or using a translation app).
- Pharmacy Employees 1 and 2 should collaborate to ensure the accurate interpretation of the prescription and the selection of the correct medication.
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Feedback and Discussion:
- After the role-play scenario, allow time for reflection and feedback from the pharmacy staff and the client.
- Discuss any challenges encountered during the communication process and brainstorm strategies for improving communication in similar situations in the future.
- Emphasize the importance of patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity when interacting with clients who speak different languages.
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Rotation:
- If time permits, rotate roles so that each student has the opportunity to play both the Client and Pharmacy Employee.
- Repeat the role-play activity with different scenarios or prescriptions to further practice communication skills.
Translation Challenge
1. Symptoms of Depression in College Students
Translate the following text from English to Spanish:
Depression is a significant concern among college students, often hidden behind a busy academic life. Recognizing its symptoms is crucial for timely support and intervention.
Common signs of depression include persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness, along with hopelessness or worthlessness. College students may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, isolate themselves from friends and family, or experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Fatigue and difficulty concentrating can negatively impact academic performance, creating a cycle of stress that exacerbates depressive symptoms.
It is important to be aware of certain indicators that someone may be struggling. For example, a decrease in self-care habits—such as neglecting personal hygiene or skipping meals—can be a warning sign. Additionally, individuals experiencing depression might become easily agitated or irritable, which can lead to difficulties in their relationships. They may also engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or reckless driving, as a way to cope.
Recognizing these signs requires careful observation and empathy. Having open, non-judgmental conversations with struggling people can offer valuable insights into their emotional state. Paying attention to subtle changes in behavior or academic performance can also provide clues about how someone is feeling.
Creating a supportive environment that encourages students to seek help for their mental health is essential. This can be achieved by establishing accessible mental health resources on campus and promoting the idea that seeking help is a normal and necessary aspect of self-care. Encouraging self-care practices, such as exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, can also help manage symptoms of depression.
To effectively identify and address depression, it is crucial to foster a culture of understanding and empathy within the educational community. By recognizing the signs of depression and offering support, we can help alleviate the burden of mental illness and promote overall well-being among college students.
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Discussing Translation Challenges
- Translation Difficulties Discussion: Discuss the challenges you encountered while translating the paragraph in pairs or small groups. Consider intricacies related to medical terms, cultural concepts, and maintaining the original meaning.
- Comparison and Analysis:
- Classmate 1: Review their translation and identify any differences or similarities compared to your own. Note any distinct phrasing or choices they made.
- Classmate 2: Analyze their translation and pinpoint any variations in wording, tone, or structure compared to your translation.
- Classmate 3: Evaluate their translation, focusing on differences or similarities in conveying the original paragraph’s nuances and meaning.
- Classmate 4: Examine their translation, highlighting any unique approaches or word choices that deviate from your version.
3. Sharing Insights
- Group Discussion: Come together as a class and share your observations from comparing the translations. Discuss the intricacies of translating legal and technical terms, adapting cultural context, and maintaining clarity.
- Reflection and Feedback: Reflect on the challenges of translating legal and bureaucratic language. Discuss the importance of conveying accurate information while ensuring the text remains comprehensible for the target audience.
2. Student Depression Screening Questionnaire
Translate the following text from English to Spanish:
College Student Depression Screening Questionnaire
- Demographic Information:
- Name:
- Age:
- Gender:
- Year in College:
- Major/Area of Study:
- Contact Information (optional):
- General Health Assessment:
- Are you currently experiencing any physical health concerns? If yes, please describe:
- How would you rate your overall physical health on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Mental Health History:
- Have you ever been diagnosed with depression or any other mental health condition? If yes, please provide details:
- Are you currently receiving any form of treatment or counseling for mental health concerns?
- Depression Symptoms Assessment:
- Over the past two weeks, have you been feeling down, depressed, or hopeless most of the time?
- Have you lost interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy?
- Have you experienced significant changes in your appetite or weight (either loss or gain) recently?
- Have you been experiencing insomnia or sleeping excessively?
- Do you often feel tired or lack energy, even after a full night’s sleep?
- Have you noticed a significant decrease or increase in your ability to concentrate or make decisions?
- Have you been feeling worthless or excessively guilty about past actions?
- Have you experienced thoughts of death or suicide, even if you do not have a plan or intention to act on these thoughts?
- Social and Academic Functioning:
- Have you noticed any changes in your social interactions or relationships with friends and family?
- How have your academic performance and motivation been affected recently?
- Stress and Coping Mechanisms:
- What are your primary sources of stress as a college student?
- How do you typically cope with stress or difficult emotions?
- Support System:
- Who do you turn to for emotional support during challenging times?
- Are you aware of the mental health resources available on campus?
- Additional Comments or Concerns:
- Is there anything else you would like to share regarding your mental or emotional well-being?
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Discussing Translation Challenges
- Translation Difficulties Discussion: Discuss the challenges you encountered while translating the paragraph in pairs or small groups. Consider intricacies related to medical terms, cultural concepts, and maintaining the original meaning.
- Comparison and Analysis:
- Classmate 1: Review their translation and identify any differences or similarities compared to your own. Note any distinct phrasing or choices they made.
- Classmate 2: Analyze their translation and pinpoint any variations in wording, tone, or structure compared to your translation.
- Classmate 3: Evaluate their translation, focusing on differences or similarities in conveying the original paragraph’s nuances and meaning.
- Classmate 4: Examine their translation, highlighting any unique approaches or word choices that deviate from your version.
3. Sharing Insights
- Group Discussion: Come together as a class and share your observations from comparing the translations. Discuss the intricacies of translating legal and technical terms, adapting cultural context, and maintaining clarity.
- Reflection and Feedback: Reflect on the challenges of translating legal and bureaucratic language. Discuss the importance of conveying accurate information while ensuring the text remains comprehensible for the target audience.
