Let\u2019s start with a slight tangent. If something is plural, we typically add an s to the end of the word, and we don’t add an apostrophe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which of the following patients<\/span> is most at risk for inaccurate serum LDL and HDL cholesterol measurements<\/span>?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of our lead-in questions that lists four possible choices. Since we\u2019re talking about more than one patient, we say \u201cpatients\u201d\u2014no apostrophe needed. Same with \u201cmeasurements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s easy! Now on to possessives and apostrophes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we want to show that something belongs to someone (or something) else, we typically add \u2019s to the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The resident\u2019s<\/span> EM board review session was productive. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The EM board review session belongs to the resident, which is why we add the possessive \u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asplenism secondary to sickle cell disease increases a patient\u2019s<\/span> risk for what type of infections?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The risk belongs to the patient, so we\u2019ve again used the possessive \u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s pretty straightforward. But what if a plural word is possessive? Do we still add \u2019s to the end? Nope! Just put an apostrophe after the final s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He has been caught smoking cigarettes in the ED bathroom and has been known to steal food trays and other patients\u2019<\/span> belongings.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n