Question

An occupational health nurse is planning to use an interpreter during an educational session with a group of workers who speak a different language than the nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Ask a coworker who is fluent in both languages to interpret.
B. Use a family member of one of the workers as the interpreter.
C. Select a coworker who speaks the workers' language to interpret.
D. Use written materials instead of an interpreter.

Answer 1

The nurse should opt for a coworker fluent in both languages to ensure professional and accurate interpretation during the educational session. Using family members or untrained coworkers can risk miscommunication, and written materials alone might not be effective for all workers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The occupational health nurse planning to use an interpreter for an educational session with workers who speak a different language should consider several factors for effective communication. The most professional option among those provided would likely be to ask a coworker who is fluent in both languages to interpret (Option A). This ensures that the interpretation is accurate and maintains a professional standard. Using a family member (Option B) may introduce bias or errors, and selecting just any coworker who speaks the worker's language (Option C) might compromise professional interpretation if the coworker is not skilled at interpreting. Relying solely on written materials (Option D) could be insufficient, as not all workers may be literate or may prefer oral communication for clarity.

In the broader context of language proficiency and professional communication, it's essential for a nurse to convey information accurately and in a manner that respects the workers' linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Adequate training for interpreters and using professional interpretation services when necessary can be crucial in healthcare and educational settings where clear communication can impact understanding and outcomes.