Unit 4: Vocabulary

Please study the 19 vocabulary terms below. Then press the Mark Complete button to continue.
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ache
a pain or feeling of discomfort, usually one that is steady and long lasting
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The side effects of the medication may include stomach aches or hair loss.
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ascertain
to verify or confirm something
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We will be running several tests to ascertain whether you have asthma or not.
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barbiturates
substances derived from an organic compound that are used as sedatives and sleep inducers
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Patients taking barbiturates need to be careful not to become addicted.
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bruise
an injured area of a surface that becomes discolored
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Seeing the dark purple bruise on her arm, her parents started to worry.
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carry out
to conduct, run, do (e.g. a test)
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All blood tests are carried out at the local hospital as we do not have the equipment here in the surgery.
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constipation
a condition in which the feces are hard and elimination from the bowels is infrequent and difficult
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If you suffer from constipation, you should try including more fiber in your diet or maybe eating prunes.
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diagnose
to identify a problem or disease by considering the symptoms or performing an exam
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I went to the doctors yesterday and he diagnosed me with the flu, so I need to stay in bed for a week.
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examine
to analyze, inspect or carefully study
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Before making a decision, it is important to examine all of the possibilities.
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fatigue
physical or mental exhaustion
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People working long hours in stressful jobs are at risk of fatigue.
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GP (general practitioner)
a physician who does not specialize in any particular field of medicine
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As I was feeling a bit unwell, I made an appointment with my general practitioner.
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insomnia
an ongoing inability to sleep or stay asleep
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Many people are affected by insomnia at some point during their lives but for some it is a major problem.
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lesion
a wound or an area of the body that has been damaged through injury or disease
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You should report any lumps or skin lesions to your doctor.
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nausea
a feeling of sickness that makes the person want to vomit
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People often suffer from nausea when traveling, especially by boat.
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prescribe
to recommend and give official permission for a course of treatment
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My doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics to stop infection.
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rash
any red eruption of the skin
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The symptoms include a red, itchy rash where the substance was in contact with the skin.
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running a fever
suffering from a body temperature higher than normal
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As she was running a fever, I decided to keep her home from school.
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symptom
a characteristic sign of something, especially a physical or mental sign of an illness
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After I had described my symptoms, the doctor asked me to lay down so he could examine me.
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tingling
a prickling or stinging feeling, as from cold, a sharp slap, excitement, etc
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It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from tingling hands to a greater or lesser extent.
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vomit
to eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
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Children who are under a lot of stress at school may occasionally vomit.
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