Healthcare History
This ancient Greek physician, known as the “Father of Medicine,” inspired the “do no harm” ethical guide for doctors.
Who is Hippocrates?
Nurse Kim’s name badge reads “RN.” She cares for patients and helps change their health status over time. What does RN stand for?
What is Registered Nurse?
Ethan dreams of becoming a registered nurse who helps change patients’ health status over time. Which of the five pathway categories fits him?
What is Therapeutic Services?
A 68-year-old suddenly has chest pain and trouble breathing. Where should he go first (or who should be called)?
What is the emergency room (ER) / EMS?
Jordan is starting his first clinical shift. Patients and coworkers need to quickly know who he is and what his role is. Which part of professional appearance helps with this?
What is a name badge (identification tag)?
Removing blood by cutting a vein or using leeches to “balance” the body’s humors was called this risky practice.
What is bloodletting? [Risks: shock from blood loss, worse dehydration, infection from unclean tools.]
A 911 call comes in for a car accident. The crew that arrives in the ambulance wears patches that say “EMT.” What does EMT stand for?
What is Emergency Medical Technician?
Ana loves computers and organizing information, and wants to work as a medical coder protecting and managing patient records. Which pathway should she choose?
What is Health Informatics?
A 16-year-old has had a sore throat and fever for 24 hours and needs a same-day strep test. It is not life-threatening and there is no appointment. Where should the family go?
What is urgent care?
A patient says, “I’m fine,” but is grimacing and clutching his stomach. Name the type of communication that conflicts with his spoken words.
What is nonverbal communication [Facial expressions, body language, gestures, eye contact, and touch.]
In 1796, Edward Jenner introduced this prevention method to protect people from deadly smallpox.
What is vaccination?
After knee surgery, Jasmine needs to rebuild her strength and relearn to walk safely. She is referred to a “PT.” What does PT stand for?
What is Physical Therapist?
Kayla wants to be a phlebotomist or radiologic technologist, creating a picture of a patient’s health at a single point in time. Which pathway is this?
What is Diagnostic Services?
Mrs. Lopez lives 90 miles from the nearest clinic and has no ride. She needs a quick follow-up about her medication. Which option delivers care by phone or video?
What is telehealth?
Devon is always rushing, arrives late, and leaves tasks unfinished, so coworkers must cover for him. Name the professional characteristic(s) he is lacking.
What is responsibility and/or time managament?
This French scientist proved microorganisms cause disease, pasteurized milk, and created the rabies vaccine in 1885.
Who is Louis Pasteur?
After a stroke, Mr. Hall struggles to dress himself, cook, and bathe. His care team brings in an “OT” to help him with his activities of daily living (ADLs). What does OT stand for?
What is Occupational Therapist?
Dani starts as an aide with on-the-job training, then plans to earn an associate degree, then a bachelor’s or higher. Name the four levels of health care workers from where she starts to where she ends.
What are aide/assistant, technician, technologist/therapist, and professional?
[Aide/Assistant → Technician → Technologist/Therapist → Professional.]
Mr. Alvarez has a terminal illness and about six months or less to live. His family wants pain control, emotional support, and dignity instead of a cure. What type of care fits?
What is hospice?
A patient is recovering from a stroke. A nurse monitors her condition, a physical therapist helps her walk again, a dietitian plans her meals, and a social worker prepares her family for her return home. Each person has different training and a different job, but they share updates and work toward one goal, which is quality, holistic care for the patient. What employability skill do they show?
What is teamwork?
In 1816, René Laennec invented this tool, which gave doctors a noninvasive way to listen to the heart and lungs and made diagnosis better.
What is the stethoscope?
On one hospital unit: the “RD” plans a diabetic patient’s meals, the “RT” manages a patient’s breathing treatments, and the “SLP” helps a stroke patient with swallowing and speech. Give the full name of each credential.
What are Registered Dietitian (RD), Respiratory Therapist (RT), and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?
Lena works as a forensic science technician. Her friend Omar works as a central/sterile supply technician. Name the pathway for each.
What are Biotechnology R&D (Lena) and Support Services (Omar)?
[Biotech R&D uses living cells/research to create tests, treatments, and vaccines. Support Services creates the therapeutic environment that keeps facilities running.]
Tanya’s insurance plan makes her choose a primary care provider, get a referral to see a specialist, and use in-network providers for the lowest cost. Name this plan type.
What is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)?
Marcus is a student on his first clinical rotation. Before every shift, his stomach hurts and his thoughts race. He decides to take short breaks, get enough sleep, think positively, and use deep breathing to help him stay calm and focused. What health care skill is Marcus using?
What is stress management?