The health care provider (HCP) explains the risks and benefits of a procedure to the client through an interpreter. The HCP leaves after asking the nurse to witness the client's signature on the consent. The interpreter and client now have a lengthy discussion in the foreign language. The nurse should take which action at this time?

Question

The health care provider (HCP) explains the risks and benefits of a procedure to the client through an interpreter.  The HCP leaves after asking the nurse to witness the client's signature on the consent.  The interpreter and client now have a lengthy discussion in the foreign language.  The nurse should take which action at this time?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An interpreter's job is to literally translate the words/concepts spoken (as much as possible). The role does not include personally editorializing or embellishing with advice beyond what the health care provider (HCP) said. It is important to find out if there was any discussion related to the procedure or if the follow-up conversation was about other topics (eg, social). The nurse needs to obtain feedback to be certain that the client understands about the procedure and had no additional questions that the interpreter personally answered. The nurse can ask the client additional questions using this interpreter or use a different interpreter/a language line. After the nurse is satisfied that no additional information was provided and the client understands what the client is signing, the nurse (as the hospital employee) should then witness the signature. The nurse should indicate that an interpreter was used in the process. (Option B) Gestures/pantomime may be adequate for basic actions, such as obtaining a blood pressure. In this case, there is specific information that must be clear and should be communicated with interpretation. Federal law requires accommodations for people with limited English proficiency. The Joint Commission indicates that clients' rights include translation. (Option C) Clarifying the content of the conversation is the priority. The nurse (as an employee of the hospital) should be the witness whenever the signature is obtained. However, the name and the contact information of the interpreter should be documented. (Option D) The consent should not be signed until it is clearly established that no additional information/advice was given by or asked of the interpreter after the HCP left. Educational objective: An interpreter should only provide literal translation of the words spoken by the HCP, not adding any personal advice/information. The nurse should clarify if there is any question about the accuracy or content of the translation and ensure the client's concerns have been addressed prior to obtaining the signature on the consent.

The Health Care Provider (HCP) Explains the Risks and Benefits