While admitting a client who speaks no English, the nurse opts to ...

[Zulu123]

While admitting a client who speaks no English, the nurse opts to use the hospital translator instead of a family member for which of the following reasons?
 
  1. The family does not speak English well enough to interpret medical terms.
  2. The client looks scared, and probably does not want the family in the room.
  3. The interpreter has more experience in the medical field.
  4. The family is too emotionally involved, and might not be accurate in their interpretations.

Question 2

The nurse, functioning in the role of charge nurse for this shift, is working on a surgical unit with great cultural diversity among the staff.
 
  When the nurse overhears two staff members conversing in their native language, the best action would be to: 1. Reprimand the staff members for speaking in a foreign language.
  2. Request the staff not speak in a foreign language in the client care area.
  3. Attempt to learn a few words in their language.
  4. Inform the supervisor of the staff's unprofessional behavior.

[Koolkid240]

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: It is usually best not to use the family, because they are emotionally involved with the client, and might add information that is not true, or might not give the client all the information to spare feelings. Involving the family is a breach of client confidentiality. An interpreter will be objective, and will report exactly what the health care provider says. The nurse is not likely to know yet what capabilities the family has regarding medical terminology, and could not identify the client's fear as coming from the presence of family in the room.

Answer to Question 2

2
Rationale 1: Many facilities have policies instructing staff not to speak between themselves in a foreign language in client areas because it makes clients, visitors, and other staff members feel uncomfortable and excluded. The nurse should request the staff members not speak in a foreign language while in a client care area. The charge nurse does not need to reprimand the staff or inform the supervisor unless the behavior is a repetitive problem or the staff does not respond to the request. While learning a foreign language can be very helpful for nurses caring for large populations of clients who speak a different language, this is neither the time nor the place to begin studying a new language.