Bulgarian Language Exam for Medical Specialists key terms

A physical examination in which a doctor inspects, palpates, percusses or auscultates a patient to assess health and identify signs of disease.

A symptom or problem that a patient reports to a clinician, usually described in the patient's own words at the start of a consultation; it guides further questions and examination.

The structured account of a patient's past and present health, including illnesses, operations, medicines, allergies and family history, gathered by asking questions and used to guide diagnosis and treatment.

A written or electronic order from a doctor that authorises a pharmacist to supply a specified medicine, with dose, route, frequency and duration stated clearly.

A formal written request from one clinician asking another clinician or institution to assess or treat a patient, usually stating the reason, relevant history and urgency.

A concise medical document prepared when a patient leaves hospital, summarising diagnosis, treatment given, investigations, course in hospital and follow-up instructions for the next clinician.

An official document issued by a doctor confirming that a patient is unfit for work for a stated period, used by employers and social security; it must include dates and diagnosis or code.

A personal document or electronic file holding a patient's key medical data, such as vaccinations, allergies, chronic conditions and previous investigations, used to support safe continuity of care.

The pressure exerted by circulating blood on artery walls, recorded as two numbers, systolic over diastolic; measured with a cuff and used to detect hypertension or hypotension.

The unpleasant sensation of not getting enough air, which may occur at rest or on exertion and is described by patients as breathlessness, tightness or inability to breathe deeply.

A patient's awareness of the heartbeat as racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular; the symptom may be harmless or signal arrhythmia, anaemia, thyroid disease or anxiety.

A vague sensation of unsteadiness, spinning or faintness that a patient reports; clinicians must distinguish true vertigo from presyncope, balance problems and anxiety before choosing investigations.

An uncomfortable feeling in the stomach or throat that often precedes vomiting; patients may describe it as sickness and it can accompany infection, pregnancy, medication effects or abdominal disease.

A visible change in skin colour or texture, such as red patches, spots, blisters or scales; description of site, spread and itchiness helps identify allergy, infection or drug reaction.

Enlargement of a body part caused by fluid accumulation, inflammation or tissue growth; doctors note whether it is local or general, tender, pitting or associated with redness and heat.

Loss of blood from vessels, which may be visible externally or hidden internally; description of amount, colour, duration and site helps assess severity and the need for urgent treatment.

A medicine that reduces or relieves pain without necessarily causing loss of consciousness; common examples include paracetamol, ibuprofen and opioids, each with specific indications and safety limits.

A medicine that treats bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping their growth; it is not effective against viral illnesses, and unnecessary use contributes to resistance and side effects.

The amount of a medicine and the schedule for taking it, including strength per dose, number of doses per day and total duration; errors in dosage can cause harm.

An unwanted effect caused by a medicine or treatment, ranging from mild nausea or rash to serious organ damage; patients should report new symptoms after starting a drug.

An exaggerated immune response to a normally harmless substance such as food, pollen or a medicine; reactions may include rash, swelling, breathing difficulty or life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Describing a condition that persists for a long time, often months or years, and usually develops slowly; chronic illness may require ongoing treatment, monitoring and rehabilitation rather than a quick cure.

Describing a condition that begins suddenly and is often severe but short-lived; acute problems require prompt assessment to distinguish them from long-standing chronic disease.

Describing a growth or tumour that is not cancerous, does not invade nearby tissue and does not spread to other organs; benign lumps may still need monitoring or removal if troublesome.

Describing a tumour that is cancerous, can invade surrounding tissues and may spread through blood or lymph to distant organs; diagnosis usually requires tissue examination and staging.

A laboratory test, imaging study or other diagnostic procedure performed to confirm or exclude disease, assess severity or monitor treatment; results must be interpreted alongside history and examination.

A small quantity of blood taken from a vein, finger or heel for laboratory analysis; correct labelling, timing and handling are essential to avoid errors and repeat testing.

Fluid waste produced by the kidneys and passed through the bladder; testing it can reveal infection, glucose, protein, blood or drugs, making it a common and useful diagnostic sample.

A black-and-white image produced by radiation passing through the body; dense structures such as bone appear white, while air appears dark, helping detect fractures, infection or foreign bodies.

Medication or technique that removes sensation or consciousness during surgery, ranging from local numbing to general anaesthesia; the choice depends on the procedure, patient health and consent.

A planned programme of exercises, therapy and support that helps a patient recover function and independence after illness, injury or surgery; it often involves physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

A preparation that trains the immune system to recognise and fight a specific infection, usually by exposure to weakened, inactive or partial components of the pathogen; it reduces disease risk and spread.

The Bulgarian convention of addressing strangers, older people, patients and professionals with plural verb forms and the pronoun Вие; using it shows respect and is expected in formal medical consultations.

The Bulgarian system of adding a suffix to a noun to mark definiteness, for example лекарят meaning the doctor; correct use helps patients and clinicians identify exactly which person, symptom or body part is meant.

The Bulgarian distinction between imperfective verbs, which describe ongoing or repeated actions, and perfective verbs, which present an action as completed; choosing correctly affects clarity in instructions and case descriptions.

Verb forms used to give instructions, advice or commands, such as Вземете (take) or Не яжте (do not eat); in clinical speech they must be clear but polite.

A shortened form of a word or phrase, common in medical notes and prescriptions; abbreviations should be standard and unambiguous because unclear ones can cause medication errors or miscommunication between teams.

The words used to speak to a patient, such as господин, госпожа or a first name; choosing an appropriate form builds rapport and respects cultural expectations in doctor–patient communication.

A spoken conversation by phone, common in arranging appointments, giving results or taking advice; in medical settings the speaker must confirm identity, repeat key details and document important information.

A patient's voluntary agreement to an examination, test or treatment after receiving understandable information about purpose, benefits, risks and alternatives; it should be documented and may be withdrawn.