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) Speak slowly and use hand gestures to aid communication
b) Use medical jargon to ensure accuracy
c) Allow pauses for interpreter translation
d) Use complex sentences to ensure understanding

Answer 1

The occupational health nurse should speak slowly, avoid complex sentences, and allow pauses for the interpreter to ensure effective communication with a non-English speaking audience.

Step-by-step explanation:

An occupational health nurse planning to use an interpreter during an educational session should take particular care to ensure effective communication. Key steps include speaking slowly and clearly, which aids in avoiding misunderstandings due to technological glitches or sound quality issues. Additionally, it is crucial to allow pauses for interpreter translation, as this will enable the interpreter to accurately convey the information without missing details. The use of professional communication and etiquette is also essential. Although it is important to use specific terms or jargon for accuracy, the nurse should avoid excessive medical jargon, as it could confuse the audience and interpreter. Instead, enunciating clearly and using respectful language will contribute to better comprehension and a professional demeanour. It is advised to avoid complex sentences, which can be difficult to translate and understand, potentially leading to confusion or misinformation.