Question

A nurse arranges for a interpreter to facilitate communication between the health care team and a non-English speaking client. To promote therapeutic communication, the appropriate action for the nurse to remember when working with an interpreter is to

A) Promote verbal and nonverbal communication with both the client and the interpreter
B) Speak only a few sentences at a time and then pause for a few moments
C) Plan that the encounter will take more time than if the client spoke English
D) Ask the client to speak slowly and to look at the person spoken to

Answer 1

To promote therapeutic communication when using an interpreter, a nurse should ask the client to speak slowly and maintain eye contact with the person they're speaking to, while also enunciating clearly and using respectful language.

Step-by-step explanation:

When working with an interpreter to facilitate communication between the health care team and a non-English speaking client, it is important for the nurse to remember a few key practices to promote therapeutic communication. First, the nurse should ask the client to speak slowly, which will assist the interpreter in accurately capturing and conveying the message. It's also essential for the client to look at the person they are speaking to, as non-verbal cues are an integral part of communication and can help clarify the context of the verbal message.

Additional considerations for effective communication include avoiding the use of specific terms or jargon that may be difficult to interpret, enunciating clearly, and using respectful language. These practices not only facilitate the interpreter's task but also ensure that the client feels heard and respected. This respectful interaction can enhance the professional atmosphere, helping the client to better understand and trust the healthcare team, and ultimately contribute to more effective treatment outcomes.