A recent immigrant who does not speak English is alert and requires hospitalization.What is the initial action that the nurse must take to obtain informed consent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An official interpreter must be present to explain the terms of consent to a patient who speaks only a foreign language.A family member or acquaintance who speaks a patient's language should not interpret health information.Family members can tell those caring for the patient what the patient is saying,but privacy regarding the patient's condition,assessment,and other medical matters must be protected.There is no way to confirm that the family member is translating exactly what the nurse is saying.Privacy must be ensured and accurate information must be provided to the patient.After consent is obtained for treatment,the health care provider would be notified because little can be done without consent.The health care provider needs to have the translator available during the history and physical examination,as well as at other times,but the first step is to get a translator to obtain informed consent because this is not an emergency situation.Using hand gestures and medical equipment is inappropriate when communicating with a patient who does not understand the language spoken because (1)certain hand gestures may be acceptable in one culture and not appropriate in another,(2)the medical equipment may be unknown and frightening to the patient,and (3)the patient still does not understand what is being said.

A Recent Immigrant Who Does Not Speak English Is Alert