A Spanish-speaking client is admitted for a small bowel obstruction. The surgeon explains to the client's child, who speaks both Spanish and English, that an exploratory laparotomy is needed to determine the cause of the obstruction and possible causes include intestinal adhesions and ovarian or colon cancer. The surgeon asks the child to translate this information for the client and assist with translating the consent form. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse?

Question

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The nursing role in advocating for the client includes ensuring the use of interpreters for clients who speak a different language, particularly during the informed consent process. The person interpreting for the client should ideally possess the following: Training in medical terminology and procedures Ability to protect the client's rights in a medical setting Fluency in the language Understanding of cultural beliefs and nuances For these reasons, and to protect client confidentiality, family members should not be used as medical interpreters unless the situation is urgent and a family member is the only one available to fill this role. (Option A) The nurse may act as a witness, but this is less important than ensuring appropriate resources are used to carry out the informed consent process. (Option B) The nurse is responsible to provide preoperative teaching, but this is less important in this situation than ensuring that an appropriate informed consent process is followed. (Option C) The use of family members as translators of medical information is not ideal but may be used when necessary, particularly when a situation is urgent and an interpreter is not available. Educational objective: The nurse acting as a client advocate should ensure the appropriate use of medical interpreters to promote adequate client understanding and participation in the decision-making process. This is particularly important during the informed consent process.

A Spanish-Speaking Client Is Admitted for a Small Bowel Obstruction