Question

A nurse who is a native English speaker admits an elderly Mexican-American migrant worker after an accident that occurred during work. To facilitate communication the nurse should initially take which of these actions?

A. Evaluate the client's ability to speak English
B. equest a Spanish interpreter
C. Speak to the client through the family or coworkers
D. Use pictures, letter boards, or hand gestures

Answer 1

The nurse should initially evaluate the client's ability to speak English and then, if needed, request a Spanish interpreter or use supplemental communication tools like pictures or hand gestures.

Step-by-step explanation:

To facilitate communication with an elderly Mexican-American migrant worker after an accident, a nurse who is a native English speaker should initially evaluate the client’s ability to speak English. This first step respects the individual's potential bilingual capabilities and does not assume a language barrier. If the client struggles with English, the nurse may then consider requesting a Spanish interpreter to ensure accurate and clear communication. Using family members or coworkers as interpreters should be a last resort due to potential breaches of confidentiality or miscommunications. Finally, while pictures, letter boards, or hand gestures can be helpful, these should supplement rather than replace proper interpretive services, as they may not sufficiently convey complex medical information.