Specialist Language Courses

Lesson plan: Describing Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers
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In this lesson students learn the language used to describe pressure ulcers. It includes speaking, writing, reading & vocabulary activities.

B1-B2 level

Teacher Notes

●    Topic: describing pressure ulcers

●    Timing: 45–60 minutes

●    Lesson Type/Focus: speaking, reading, vocabulary and writing

Aims

●      Speaking: discuss and describe pressure ulcers

●      Reading: identify vocabulary, read for specific information

●      Vocabulary: learn/review language related to pressure ulcers

●      Writing: practise organising and presenting information

Overview

The focus of the lesson is describing pressure ulcers. The speaking activity introduces the topic and gives students the opportunity to share their ideas and experience. The reading activity contextualises some of this language and practises reading for specific information. The vocabulary activities review key terms. The writing activity uses language from the lesson and students’ own knowledge to produce a piece of patient-centred writing.

Note: This lesson supports the language introduced in the following:

●       Course: English for Nurses

●       Unit: Pressure area care’

●       Module: ‘Pressure ulcers 1’ pages 5 to 7

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Medical English Materials

Teaching Guide & Answer Key

Part 1: speaking

Put students into pairs or small groups and ask them to discuss questions 1–3 on the student worksheet. Encourage them to share examples from their own experience.

Do whole class feedback to discuss and share answers.

Suggested answers

  1. What are the risk factors for developing pressure ulcers?
    being over 70 years old (more likely to have mobility problems and fragile skin)
    bedbound – chronic illness, paralysis or after surgery
    obesity
    incontinent (urine and/or faeces)
    poor diet
    have a medical conditions that affects blood circulation, e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or kidney failure
  2. What can nurses do to prevent pressure ulcers?
    change position of bedbound patients frequently
    check skin integrity (condition of the skin)
    change incontinence pads frequently and/or toilet patients frequently
    ensure diet is adequate for needs
    use alternating pressure mattresses to redistribute weight and relieve pressure

    3. What advice would you give to patients to prevent pressure ulcers?
    change position frequently using arm lift exercises
    use gel cushions to redistribute weight
    monitor skin condition.

Download the complete lesson plan and student worksheet:

 

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