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Discussing Treatment Options and Prescriptions

Understanding the doctor's diagnosis, discussing proposed treatment plans, medications, and asking questions about side effects or follow-up care.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Doctor (Male)
Alright, so based on your symptoms and the lab results, it looks like you have a mild ear infection.
2
Patient (Female)
An ear infection? I see. So what's the best course of action then, Doctor?
3
Doctor (Male)
Yes. I'll prescribe an antibiotic, Amoxicillin, to clear up the infection. You'll need to take one pill three times a day for seven days.
4
Patient (Female)
Okay, Amoxicillin. Are there any common side effects I should be aware of?
5
Doctor (Male)
Typically, Amoxicillin is well-tolerated. Some people might experience mild nausea or diarrhea. If you notice any severe allergic reactions like a rash or difficulty breathing, stop taking it and contact us immediately.
6
Patient (Female)
Understood. And should I schedule a follow-up appointment, or just finish the prescription?
7
Doctor (Male)
If symptoms improve and completely resolve after the 7 days, a follow-up isn't strictly necessary. However, if the pain persists or worsens, please come back in.
8
Patient (Female)
Alright, that sounds clear. Thank you, Doctor, for explaining everything.
9
Doctor (Male)
You're welcome. The pharmacy will send you a text when your prescription is ready. Take care!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

infection

A condition where harmful bacteria or viruses enter the body and cause illness, like an ear infection.

antibiotic

A medicine used to treat bacterial infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria.

prescribe

When a doctor officially recommends or orders a medicine for a patient to take.

side effects

Unwanted or unexpected effects caused by a medicine, such as nausea or rash.

nausea

A feeling of sickness in the stomach that may lead to vomiting.

allergic reaction

A harmful response by the body to a substance, often causing symptoms like rash or breathing problems.

follow-up

A subsequent visit to the doctor to check progress after initial treatment.

prescription

A written order from a doctor for medicine that you take to a pharmacy to get filled.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Based on your symptoms and the lab results, it looks like you have a mild ear infection.

This sentence uses 'based on' to explain the reason for a diagnosis, followed by 'it looks like' for a tentative conclusion. It's useful for doctors giving diagnoses or patients understanding test results.

What's the best course of action then, Doctor?

This is a polite question using 'what's the best' to ask for advice on treatment. Use it when seeking recommendations in medical or decision-making situations.

I'll prescribe an antibiotic, Amoxicillin, to clear up the infection.

Here, 'I'll prescribe' announces a doctor's action, and 'to clear up' explains the purpose of the medicine. This pattern is common for describing treatment plans.

Are there any common side effects I should be aware of?

This question uses 'are there any' for inquiring about possibilities and 'be aware of' for things to watch out for. It's essential for patients asking about medication risks.

If you notice any severe allergic reactions like a rash or difficulty breathing, stop taking it and contact us immediately.

This conditional sentence with 'if' gives instructions for emergencies. 'Like' lists examples, and 'immediately' emphasizes urgency. Use it for safety advice.

Should I schedule a follow-up appointment, or just finish the prescription?

This uses 'should I' for seeking advice and 'or' to present options. It's a practical way to ask about next steps in treatment.

If symptoms improve and completely resolve after the 7 days, a follow-up isn't strictly necessary.

A conditional with 'if' and 'and' connects conditions. 'Strictly necessary' means not absolutely required. Useful for explaining when further action isn't needed.