Clients from many cultures will be more responsive if the interpreter is the same gender, especially when the condition is highly personal or sensitive (Option 2).
The nurse should maintain good eye contact when communicating with the client. The interpreter should translate the client's words literally. Communication is with the client, not the interpreter. The nurse should use basic English rather than medical terms, speak slowly, and pause after 1-2 sentences to allow for translation (Option 3).
Providing simple instructions about upcoming actions in the order they will occur will be easier for the client to understand. For example, the nurse can indicate that there will be surgery and then a follow-up visit as opposed to, "You'll follow up with the health care provider after your procedure" (Option 5).
(Option 1) The nurse should obtain feedback to be certain that the client understands. This feedback should extend beyond nodding as some people nod to indicate that they are listening or nod in agreement to "save face" even though they do not understand. It is better to use a tactic such as having the client repeat back information (which is then translated into English).
(Option 4) Using a fee-based agency or language line is preferred if an appropriate bilingual employee is not available. The client may not want the friend/relative to know about this personal situation, or the person may not be able to adequately translate medical concepts and/or understand client rights.
Educational objective: When an interpreter is needed, the nurse should attempt to use a trained, proficient, same- sex individual rather than a family member or personal friend. The nurse should speak slowly and directly to the client, not the interpreter; provide information in the sequence it will occur; and obtain feedback of comprehension beyond merely nodding
Clients from many cultures will be more responsive if the interpreter is the same gender, especially when the condition is highly personal or sensitive (Option 2).
The nurse should maintain good eye contact when communicating with the client. The interpreter should translate the client's words literally. Communication is with the client, not the interpreter. The nurse should use basic English rather than medical terms, speak slowly, and pause after 1-2 sentences to allow for translation (Option 3).
Providing simple instructions about upcoming actions in the order they will occur will be easier for the client to understand. For example, the nurse can indicate that there will be surgery and then a follow-up visit as opposed to, "You'll follow up with the health care provider after your procedure" (Option 5).
(Option 1) The nurse should obtain feedback to be certain that the client understands. This feedback should extend beyond nodding as some people nod to indicate that they are listening or nod in agreement to "save face" even though they do not understand. It is better to use a tactic such as having the client repeat back information (which is then translated into English).
(Option 4) Using a fee-based agency or language line is preferred if an appropriate bilingual employee is not available. The client may not want the friend/relative to know about this personal situation, or the person may not be able to adequately translate medical concepts and/or understand client rights.
Educational objective: When an interpreter is needed, the nurse should attempt to use a trained, proficient, same- sex individual rather than a family member or personal friend. The nurse should speak slowly and directly to the client, not the interpreter; provide information in the sequence it will occur; and obtain feedback of comprehension beyond merely nodding
