A nurse is admitting a non-English speaking patient to the hospital unit. Which is the best method of obtaining data from the patient?

Question

a. Asking the other family members to help interpret
b. Performing a physical examination on the patient
c. Interviewing the patient using a professional interpreter
d. Attempting to obtain past medical records for this patient

Answer 1

ANS: C

A
While tempting, the nurse should not use family members to interpret. They may insert cultural biases, may be embarrassed to translate certain topics, or may misunderstand the nurse's question. Professional interpreters must be used.
B
A physical examination yields important data, but the patient interview is the primary method of obtaining information. The nurse needs to use an interpreter to gain this information from the patient.
C
A professional interpreter has been trained to convey medical information without cultural biases and in an objective fashion.
D
Past medical records may provide useful information but obtaining them does not replace the need to conduct a patient interview with the assistance of a professional interpreter.