Question

Difficulty: EasyCultural Awareness and Cultural Influences on Health

A nurse is preparing to obtain a health history from a newly admitted client who speaks a language that the nurse does not understand. The client's bilingual teenage child is present in the room and offers to translate. Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the nurse?

  1. Obtain a certified medical interpreter to assist with the health history assessment.Answer
  2. B
    Allow the teenage child to translate to help the client feel more comfortable.
  3. C
    Assume the client will nod for 'yes' and shake their head for 'no' to basic questions.
  4. D
    Speak loudly and slowly in English while facing the client directly.

Answer

Obtain a certified medical interpreter to assist with the health history assessment.
The most appropriate and safe action is to use a facility-approved certified medical interpreter. This practice ensures that medical terminology is accurately translated, the client's confidentiality is maintained, and objective communication is established.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the communication barrier between the nurse and the client.
The nurse recognizes that they do not share a common language with the client.
Accurate communication is essential for obtaining a valid health history and ensuring safe care.
2
Evaluate the available resources for translation.
The nurse notes that the client's teenage child is offering to translate.
Nurses must determine if an available resource is clinically appropriate, objective, and legally sound.
3
Determine the safest and most effective intervention based on best practices.
The nurse decides to request a certified medical interpreter.
Family members, especially minors, should not be used as interpreters due to privacy risks, potential for inaccurate translation of medical terms, and role boundary issues.

Key Concept

Using Certified Medical Interpreters
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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