Full Analysis of Example Sentence
Sentence to Interpret
“"The spirometry results indicate that you have early COPD. We will start with an oral bronchodilator and a rescue inhaler to be used as needed."
Assume:
The interpreter knows what COPD is
The interpreter does NOT know what spirometry is. Analyze the word bronchodilator. Rescue inhaler.
Step 1: Identify the Message Type
Before focusing on individual words, determine the function of the sentence.
This is:
A diagnostic statement
Based on test results
Communicating a medical condition at an early stage
So the core meaning is:
A medical test shows signs of early COPD.
Step 2: Analyze the Unknown Term by Structure
Even without knowing the definition, you can analyze “spirometry” using context clues.
What you can deduce:
It is followed by the word “results”
→ Therefore, it must be a test or measurement
It is used to indicate a diagnosis
→ It provides objective data
COPD is a lung disease
→ The test likely relates to breathing or lung function
Logical deduction:
Spirometry = a medical test that measures lung or breathing function.
At an entry level proficiency, you are not required to know the technical mechanics to interpret the meaning accurately. However, knowing a broad range of the most common medical procedures and at the least, how they are done is your goal as a professional medical interpreter.
Bronchodilator: What is broncho? You need to have basic anatomy knowledge. If you don't know it by now, you should go back to Part 1 and review the respiratory system. What is a dilator? This is basic English vocabulary - what does it mean to dilate something? Put the two words together: Broncho + dilator.
What is an inhaler? If you don't know, go back to Part 1 Respiratory System. What does it mean "rescue inhaler?" Use your thinking skills to analyze what the term means. It can me to "rescue" someone from drowning or from danger, right? So with the addition of "as needed," you can reason out that this is an inhaler to be used when the patient is very short of breath. At this point, take this opportunity to look up the inhalers for COPD, Asthma, etc. Here is a link for additional information: https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-copd-inhalers-915048
Always be learning!
Step 3: Preserve the Term, Do Not Replace It
Ethically and professionally:
You should not substitute the term with your own explanation
You should not simplify it to “breathing test” unless the provider does
Correct interpreter strategy: If you do not know the term.
Keep the original term (spirometry)
Interpret the sentence faithfully
Since you are not sure, clarify with the provider if you can use "breathing test" to explain spirometry to the patient.
Step 4: Focus on Meaning Over Definitions
You are interpreting what the sentence does, not just what the word means.
The sentence does three things:
References test results
States a medical finding
Communicates early-stage COPD
That meaning must be preserved intact.
Example of Accurate Interpretation (Conceptual)
Even without knowing the term fully, the interpreter can correctly convey:
“The results of a test called spirometry show that you have early-stage COPD.”
This is:
Accurate
Complete
Ethically appropriate
Within scope
What the Interpreter Should NOT Do
❌ Do not guess or explain how spirometry works
❌ Do not omit the term
❌ Do not replace it with “breathing test” unless the provider does
❌ Do not interrupt to ask for a definition unless comprehension is impossible
Step 5: Post-Encounter Learning (Critical)
After the session:
Write down spirometry
Look up:
Purpose
Pronunciation
Common collocations (Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), spirometry test, spirometry results)
Add it to your glossary
This reinforces professional growth without compromising the encounter.