A nurse is conducting a health assessment for a new client who immigrated from China. The client speaks limited English and has a translator present. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to facilitate effective communication?

Rationale: The nurse should use simple words and short sentences when speaking to a client who has limited English proficiency, as this can help to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. The nurse should also speak slowly and clearly, repeat or rephrase information as needed, and ask for feedback to ensure comprehension.

Incorrect options:

B) Direct questions and statements to the translator rather than the client. - This option is incorrect, as it can make the client feel ignored or excluded from the conversation. The nurse should direct questions and statements to the client, using the translator as a facilitator rather than an intermediary. The nurse should also acknowledge and thank the translator for their assistance.

C) Avoid using gestures or nonverbal cues that may have different meanings in different cultures. - This option is partially correct, as some gestures or nonverbal cues may have different meanings or interpretations in different cultures, and may cause offense or misunderstanding. However, avoiding all gestures or nonverbal cues may also hinder communication, as they can convey emotions, attitudes, or emphasis that words alone cannot. The nurse should be aware of potential cultural differences in nonverbal communication, and use gestures or nonverbal cues that are appropriate and respectful for the client's culture.

D) Maintain eye contact with the client throughout the assessment to show interest and respect. - This option is incorrect, as eye contact may have different meanings in different cultures. In some cultures, such as China, eye contact may be considered rude, aggressive, or disrespectful, especially when interacting with someone of higher status or authority. The nurse should be sensitive to the client's cultural norms and preferences regarding eye contact, and adjust accordingly.

Rationale: The nurse should allow the client to practice their religious rituals, such as praying five times a day facing Mecca, as this can help them cope with stress, anxiety, and pain, and promote healing and recovery. The nurse should also respect the client's privacy and dignity during their prayer times, and avoid interrupting or disturbing them unless necessary.

Incorrect options:

A) Provide pork-free meals for the client. - This option is correct, as pork is forbidden in Islam, and the nurse should provide meals that are consistent with the client's dietary restrictions and preferences. However, this option is not the best, as it is not specific to the client's surgical care, and it is a standard practice for all clients who follow Islam.

C) Encourage family members to visit during visiting hours only. - This option is incorrect, as family members play an important role in providing emotional and spiritual support to the client, and may also assist with personal care or decision making. The nurse should accommodate the client's wishes regarding family visitation, and collaborate with the health care team and the facility policies to ensure safety and infection control.

D) Assign a same-sex nurse to perform personal care for the client. - This option is incorrect, as it may not be feasible or realistic to assign a same-sex nurse to every client who practices Islam, and it may also limit the client's access to quality care. The nurse should respect the client's modesty and preferences regarding personal care, and provide privacy, draping, and chaperones as needed. The nurse should also explain the rationale and benefits of any invasive or intimate procedures, and obtain the client's consent before performing them.