Question

An EKG technician is preparing to perform an EKG for a patient who does not speak the same language as the technician. Which of the following actions should the technician take to avoid miscommunication with the patient?

1) Have a member of the patient's family translate
2) Point and use other forms of nonverbal communication
3) Rely on materials printed in the patient's native language
4) Have a bilingual staff member translate

Answer 1

To avoid miscommunication during an EKG, the technician should ideally have a bilingual staff member translate or use materials printed in the patient's native language; using family for translation is not recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an EKG technician is preparing to perform an EKG on a patient who does not speak the same language, it's crucial to ensure clear and precise communication. To avoid miscommunication with the patient, the best action the technician should take is to have a bilingual staff member translate. If a bilingual staff member is not available, the next best action would be to rely on materials printed in the patient's native language. Nonverbal communication may be insufficient for complex instructions, and using a family member is not recommended due to potential breaches of confidentiality and the risk of inaccurate translation. The EKG is a sensitive diagnostic tool that requires accurate exchange of information to ensure the patient is correctly prepared and understands the procedure. Having a professional or qualified translator helps maintain the professional standards of healthcare communication.