Conversation at the Hospital
Actors:
Patient (P)
Doctor (D)
Nurse (N)
Patient’s Wife (W)
Patient’s Friend (F)
People on the street (I)
On the street (Wife and Indra)
W : Excuse me. Where is the nearest hospital?
I : It is about 2 miles from here. You will have to hire a taxi. You can also go by bus.
W : I see. Is there a bus station near here?
I : Yes, there is a bus stop at the corner.
W : Thank you.
I : Don’t mention it.
At the hospital (Doctor, Wife, Patient and Nurse)
D : Did he lose consciousness after the injury?
W : Yes, he did. He blacked out for about half an hour. Then he regained consciousness.
D : (asking the patient) do you remember how you were injured?
W : Doctor, my husband tripped and fell, hitting his head quite hard. He has a headache, so I thought I’d better bring him in and see what’s wrong with him.
D : When did it happen?
W : This morning. About two hours ago.
D : Does he have high blood pressure or diabetes?
W : No.
P : Oh, oh. (Patient vomit)
D : Well, he is unconscious again now. Has he been vomiting all the time before coming to hospital?
W : Yes.
D : Now, let’s have a look at him. The pupil on the right is dilated and does not react to light. There’s no reaction to pain in the left extremities. I’m afraid your husband has torn a blood vessel when he hit his head, and the blood is compressing his brain, causing his present condition. I’ll talk over his problem with the neurosurgeon and decide what to do.
W : Thank you, Doctor. I’m so worried. Do you think my husband will live?
D : Don’t worry. We’ll do everything we can to save him. I’ve just finished talking to the neurosurgeon. Your husband is in a coma due to extradural hemorrhage. In order to save him, we think we should operate on him. We need your permission to do this.
W : Anything you say, Doctor, as long as he gets well.
D : Well. Could you sign this paper to give your consent for the operation? I think everything will be all right.
W : Shall I stay here?
D : If you want to, you can wait, and I’ll let you know the result of the surgery.
N : Please wait in the sitting room. I’ll keep you informed of what is going on.
N : We are going to do the operation on you tomorrow. I hope you don’t worry.
P : I will try not to, but will it hurt?
N : We’ll give you anesthesia. If you feel any pain during the operation, just let us know. Have you handed in your consent yet?
P : How should I write it?
N : “I (name) the undersigned have requested and consented to a certain operation.” That’s all. We need the seal of your embassy and the signature of your Ambassador on the consent form.
N : I’d like to shave off the hair around the operation area.
P : I have never been in a hospital before. I’m so scared.
N : There is nothing to worry about. The doctor who will operate on you is very experienced and considerate. If you have any discomfort during the operation, please don’t hesitate to tell him. I will give you an enema tonight. After that, please don’t take any food or water before the operation.
After the Operation
F : Hey, how are u doing?
P : A lot better. Thanks for coming to visit me.
F : No problem. I brought you some flowers, and a get well card.
P : Wow thanks.
F : What exactly happened to you?
P : Well my family was coming home for a trip. I tripped and fell, hitting my head quite hard.
F : Sounds painful. So, what’s it like staying in a hospital?
P : Its not too bad. The food is gross.
F : Oh really? I’ll have to bring you some tomorrow.
P : That would be great. They also have a library.
F : That’s cool, do you go there a lot?
P : Not really. It’s on the other side of the hospital.
F : Oh, okay. Well, I have to go, but I’ll come back tomorrow. When are visiting hours?
P : You can come at 9 AM.
F : Okay, see you then!
P : Bye!
