Nursing Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on nursing and healthcare vocabulary: patients, wards, medication, vital signs and symptoms. B1–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Nursing is actually used in context at B1–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as patient, ward, vital, dose and symptom, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Nursing Vocabulary — FAQ
What does 'vital signs' mean in nursing?
Vital signs are the basic measurements that show how well a patient's body is functioning. The four main vital signs are body temperature, pulse (heart) rate, breathing (respiratory) rate and blood pressure; oxygen saturation is often included as a fifth. Nurses record them regularly, frequently shortening the task to taking the patient's 'obs' (observations), because changes in vital signs can be an early warning that a patient is becoming unwell.
What is the difference between a 'symptom' and a 'sign'?
A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, such as pain, nausea, dizziness or tiredness — it is subjective and cannot always be measured by someone else. A sign is something a healthcare worker can observe or measure objectively, such as a rash, a high temperature, swelling or raised blood pressure. So a patient describes their symptoms, while a nurse or doctor examines them for signs.
What is the difference between a 'dose' and a 'dosage'?
A dose is the specific amount of medicine taken at one time, for example 'one 500 mg tablet'. Dosage refers to the overall regimen — how much, how often and for how long, for example 'one tablet three times a day for five days'. In everyday speech the two words are sometimes used loosely, but in nursing it is important to keep them distinct to give medication safely and accurately.
What does it mean to 'admit' and 'discharge' a patient?
To admit a patient means to take them into hospital as an inpatient so they can receive care, usually onto a particular ward. To discharge a patient means to allow them to leave hospital once they are well enough, often with instructions, follow-up appointments or prescriptions. The point at which a patient leaves is called their 'discharge'. The opposite verbs are therefore 'admit' (in) and 'discharge' (out).
What is a 'prescription' and who can write one?
A prescription is a written (or electronic) instruction that allows a patient to obtain a specific medicine, stating the drug, the dose and how to take it. In the UK, prescriptions are written by doctors (GPs and hospital doctors), dentists and certain qualified nurses and pharmacists known as 'non-medical prescribers'. The patient takes the prescription to a pharmacy (chemist) where the pharmacist 'dispenses' the medicine.
What is an 'intravenous (IV) line' or 'drip'?
An intravenous line, abbreviated to IV, is a thin tube (cannula) inserted into a patient's vein so that fluids, medication or nutrition can be given directly into the bloodstream. When fluid flows slowly from a bag through the tube, people commonly call it a 'drip'. 'Intravenous' literally means 'within a vein', which contrasts with 'intramuscular' (into a muscle) and 'oral' (by mouth) routes of giving medicine.
What is a 'ward' and what is an 'operating theatre'?
A ward is an area or room in a hospital where a group of patients with similar needs are cared for, such as a children's ward, a maternity ward or an intensive care ward. An operating theatre (often shortened to 'theatre') is the specially equipped, sterile room where surgeons carry out operations. In American English the operating theatre is usually called the 'operating room' or 'OR'.
What is a 'handover' in nursing?
A handover is the point at which one nurse or shift passes responsibility for patients to the next, sharing key information about each patient's condition, treatment, medication and any concerns. It usually happens at the start and end of every shift and is essential for safe, continuous care. A clear, accurate handover helps prevent mistakes when staff change over.
What is the difference between a 'diagnosis' and a 'prognosis'?
A diagnosis is the identification of what illness or condition a patient has, based on their symptoms, examination and test results. A prognosis is the likely course and outcome of that condition — in other words, what is expected to happen in the future and the chances of recovery. So the diagnosis says what is wrong now, while the prognosis predicts how it is likely to develop.
What nursing and NHS abbreviations should I know?
Common abbreviations include: BP (blood pressure), IV (intravenous), GP (general practitioner, your local family doctor), A&E (Accident and Emergency department), ICU (intensive care unit), PRN (from the Latin 'pro re nata', meaning 'as needed' for medication) and obs (observations, the routine recording of vital signs). You may also meet NHS (National Health Service), DOB (date of birth) and NBM ('nil by mouth', meaning the patient must not eat or drink).