A nurse is providing discharge teaching about home care of a surgical incision to a client who speaks a different language from the nurse.
The nurse is communicating with the client using an interpreter.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Use gestures to convey meaning.
B.
Pause in the middle of sentences
C.
Speak slowly when talking to the interpreter
D.
Speak directly to the client
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Speak directly to the client.
Explanation:
When communicating with a client who speaks a different language, using an interpreter is a critical strategy to ensure that the client fully understands the discharge instructions. Among the options presented, speaking directly to the client is the most appropriate action.
- Client-Centered Communication: Speaking directly to the client, rather than the interpreter, helps to maintain the client-nurse relationship. This approach respects the client’s dignity and reinforces that they are the focus of the conversation, rather than treating the interpreter as a go-between. Eye contact and direct communication with the client, even when using an interpreter, convey respect and trust. It also encourages the client to engage, ask questions, and feel more involved in their care.
- Role of the Interpreter: The interpreter’s role is to translate the conversation accurately without adding, omitting, or altering the message. The interpreter should convey what the nurse says to the client and vice versa. Speaking directly to the client avoids confusion and ensures that the interpreter’s role remains clear—translating the communication between the nurse and the client without becoming a third party in the conversation.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- Option A: Use gestures to convey meaning. While gestures can occasionally help, they can also be misinterpreted, especially across cultures. Relying on gestures instead of clear verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings.
- Option B: Pause in the middle of sentences. This might cause confusion. It is better to complete your thoughts fully, allowing the interpreter to relay the message as intended.
- Option C: Speak slowly when talking to the interpreter. Speaking slowly to the interpreter might come across as condescending or disrupt the natural flow of conversation. Instead, speak normally and allow the interpreter to translate at their pace.
- Best Practices: Use short sentences, simple language, and avoid medical jargon when speaking. Allow the interpreter time to fully convey the message, then pause to give the client an opportunity to ask questions or express concerns. This approach fosters clear communication, which is vital for effective discharge teaching and the client’s understanding of their home care instructions.
In summary, the nurse should focus on maintaining direct communication with the client, ensuring they feel engaged and respected throughout the interaction.