A nurse working in the emergency department is seeing an older patient who does not speak English well. The nurse calls for an interpreter. The student wants to know why the patient's minor child, who speaks English, cannot interpret. What response by the nurse is best? (Select all that apply.)
The patient has the right to interpretation
The child and older adult may be embarrassed
Privacy laws prohibit this practice
The child may not accurately translate
Having a child interpret takes too much time
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
A. This response is correct because patients have the right to receive clear and accurate information about their medical care. Professional interpreters ensure that patients fully understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and procedures. Using a qualified interpreter respects the patient's right to competent and equitable care.
B. Using a child as an interpreter can cause discomfort or embarrassment for both the child and the older adult. The situation might be emotionally charged, and the presence of a child in a professional medical setting could make the older adult feel uncomfortable or pressured.
C. Privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S., emphasize the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality. While privacy laws primarily address the protection of patient information, they also suggest that sensitive discussions, such as those about health conditions and treatments, should be handled by trained professionals to ensure privacy and confidentiality are upheld. A child might not be able to maintain the same level of confidentiality as a professional interpreter.
D. Children, especially minors, may lack the maturity, language proficiency, and medical vocabulary needed to accurately and effectively translate complex medical information. Miscommunication can
lead to misunderstandings about the patient’s condition and treatment, potentially compromising care.
E. This response is not the most valid in this context. While it might be true that using an untrained interpreter could potentially take longer, the primary concerns are about accuracy, professionalism, and maintaining patient rights and confidentiality. The use of a professional interpreter ensures that communication is clear and precise, which is essential for effective medical care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While controlling blood pressure is the primary goal of propranolol therapy, it doesn't directly address the medication's potential impact on quality of life.
B. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is commonly used to treat hypertension. Dizziness is a common side effect of this medication. Therefore, the best indicator of goal success regarding the drug's effect on the patient's quality of life is the absence of injuries related to dizziness. This indicates that the patient is able to manage the side effect and continue their daily activities safely.
C. If the patient experiences adverse drug reactions, it indicates that the medication is not being tolerated well and may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
D. While regular exercise is important for overall health, it doesn't directly address the specific goal of improving the patient's quality of life in relation to the medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Serum complement levels are used to evaluate the complement system, which is part of the immune system and plays a role in inflammation and infection. While complement levels can be important in certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, they are not typically used to assess age-related changes that impact drug metabolism or the appropriate selection of pain medications.
B. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a key measure of kidney function. In older adults, kidney function often declines with age, affecting the metabolism and excretion of medications. Many drugs are primarily eliminated through the kidneys, and impaired kidney function can lead to drug accumulation, increased risk of toxicity, and altered therapeutic efficacy. Assessing GFR helps in adjusting medication doses to avoid adverse effects and ensure safe and effective treatment.
C. A White Blood Count (WBC) measures the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to assess the body's response to infection, inflammation, and other conditions. While it provides valuable information about immune function and potential infections, it does not directly address age-related changes in drug metabolism or pharmacokinetics. Therefore, it is not the primary test for evaluating how aging might affect drug therapy.
D. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain and is used to diagnose neurological conditions such as seizures, sleep disorders, and brain abnormalities. Although EEGs are valuable in certain neurological assessments, they do not provide information on how age-related physiological changes affect drug metabolism or how to tailor drug regimens for older adults.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.