When the services of an interpreter are used,it is important for the nurse to:

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Using a certified interpreter ensures that standards of care are met and that the information exchanged is reliable and unaltered.The name of the interpreter should be documented for legal purposes.Although many health care personnel adopt this approach in an emergency,asking some family members to interpret may not be appropriate.Furthermore,most states require that certified interpreters be used when possible.When using an interpreter the nurse should direct questions to the client.The interpreter is merely a means by which the nurse communicates with the client.Every attempt should be made to contact an interpreter whenever one is needed.During an emergency,health care workers often rely on information interpreted by family members.This information may be private and should be protected under rules established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).Furthermore,family members may skew information or may not be able to interpret the exact information the nurse is trying to obtain.

When the Services of an Interpreter Are Used,it Is Important