I need to know common spanish terms.

[laylayluv90]

I am having a hard time speaking to my Spanish residents in the nursing home that I work in. Anyone know any common words that could help me?

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

^^Thank you! That's so helpful! (No sarcasm intended)

:)

Glad to help. I speak fluent spanish, but I still occasionally forget some words. Years ago there was this great medical spanish book that even had how to pronounce the words.

To help with understanding an answer as others have said have it be a simple si or No.

If you want them to show you where or how,

Donde is great.

If you need a little more you could also say Indiqueme or Muestrame. Which basically means indicate where and show me.

Depending on the state there might be a 1-800 language line where you can get an interpreter 24-7.

That is nice that you are trying basic communication as I am sure it helps build a rapport with your patients

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

Yes it is. My dad is Puerto Rican but he's second generation and never taught me. I live in Las Vegas so I hear it often enough it's just that I have a hard time with diction in Spanish. I think I am gonna take some more classes this fall. Maybe Rosetta Stone.

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

I actually can understand fairly well it's just responding in Spanish that gets hairy.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

There are a number of translation apps for smart phones and tablets, including one of my faves that does ASL. If you get one that speaks, you don't have to worry about your patient being able to read (for whatever reason). If you go to the iTunes store and search "translation" there are lots of them, some free, some cheap. I expect there are more wherever you get apps for Androids, etc.

[newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I also use the Medical Spanish by Mavro app--pretty much all yes/no questions so you don't have to understand (much) Spanish.

[xxMichelleJxx]

How do you feel? --> Como se siente?

Good/Bad --> Bien/Mal

Have you any difficulty in breathing? --> Tiene dificultad al respirar?

Since when have you been coughing? --> Desde cuando tose usted?

Do you have pain? ---> Tiene dolor?

Look up/down --> Mire para arriba/abajo

Look at me --> Mireme

Let me feel your pulse -->Dejeme tomarle el pulse

Take a deep breath --> Respire profundo

Cough --> Tosa

Let me listen to your heart --> Dejeme escuchar al corazon

Open your mouth --> Abra la boca

Grasp my hand --> Apriete mi mano

Raise your arm/leg --> Levante al brazo/la peirna

Now the other ---> Ahora el otro

Theres are just a couple from my clinical quick reference handbook. Hope it helps!