What language should a PT avoid when describing patients?

• A. Avoid using any adjectives when describing patients.
• B. Avoid terms like 'retarded,' 'lame,' 'crippled,' 'handicapped,' 'special,' or 'challenged'—they are condescending and undermine dignity.
• C. Always use clinical abbreviations in patient-facing notes.
• D. Use only lay terms without medical context.

Answer: (B)

Choosing respectful, person-first language is essential because language shapes how patients feel and engage in care. Terms that demean or stigmatize, such as “retarded,” “lame,” “crippled,” “handicapped,” “special,” or “challenged,” undermine a patient’s dignity and can reflect bias. Using language that centers the person and describes their experience without reducing them to a label helps build trust, supports shared decision‑making, and aligns with professional ethics and patient‑centered care.

Adjectives themselves aren’t inherently bad, but they should describe function or needs in a respectful way rather than racialize, dehumanize, or belittle. For patient notes, it isn’t appropriate to rely exclusively on clinical abbreviations in patient-facing documentation, since that can hinder understanding. Nor is it appropriate to use only lay terms without any medical context, as some medical details are important for accurate communication and care planning. The focus should be on clear, respectful language that accurately conveys the patient’s condition and needs.