Question

An English-speaking nurse gave a non-English-speaking Asian patient instructions about preparing an abdominal surgical site. The nurse showed the patient how the bottle of povidone-iodine was to be used in cleansing the area. The patient smiled and nodded throughout the instructions. The patient did not respond when asked if he had any questions. When the nurse left the room, the patient promptly drank the bottle of povidone-iodine. Which action would be most effective in preventing this error? a) Use written instructions with pictures.

b) Request an interpreter for better communication.
c) Speak more slowly and use hand gestures.
d) Ask the patient to demonstrate understanding.

Answer 1

Requesting an interpreter for better communication is the most effective action in preventing the error.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective action in preventing the error of the non-English-speaking Asian patient drinking the bottle of povidone-iodine would be to request an interpreter for better communication. This would ensure that the patient fully understands the instructions and can ask any questions they may have. Using written instructions with pictures (option a) may not be helpful if the patient cannot read or understand the language. Speaking more slowly and using hand gestures (option c) may not be sufficient to overcome the language barrier. Asking the patient to demonstrate understanding (option d) may also be challenging if they do not have the language skills to communicate effectively.