A nurse is caring for a client who speaks a different language and is having difficulty understanding them. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. "Direct all communication through the client's family." While family members may assist in communication, they may omit, alter, or misunderstand medical information. Using a trained medical interpreter ensures accurate and confidential communication.
B. "Limit instructions to simple and short one-sentence instructions." While clear, simple instructions are helpful, language barriers still exist. This does not fully address the client’s difficulty in understanding.
C. "Ask a coworker who speaks the client's language to translate information." A coworker may not be a certified medical interpreter and could misinterpret critical information. Medical translation should always be done by a qualified interpreter.
D. "Find an available interpreter to help with communication." A trained medical interpreter provides accurate, unbiased, and professional translation, ensuring that the client fully understands their care and can make informed decisions.

A. Laboratory results Lab results are diagnostic data, not part of the health history. They are obtained separately through testing.
B. Physical examination findings The physical exam is a separate component of the assessment and is not included in the health history, which focuses on subjective data.
C. Health habits The health history includes subjective data provided by the client, such as dietary habits, exercise routine, smoking, alcohol use, sleep patterns, and medication use. This information helps the nurse understand the client’s lifestyle and risk factors.
D. Observed client behaviors While a nurse may take note of behaviors, the health history is based on the client’s self-reported information, not observations.