Communication Challenges and Strategies
Communication Challenges and Strategies ( 7 Questions)
A client is admitted to the hospital with chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse notices that the client speaks English with a heavy accent and has difficulty understanding some of the questions. What should the nurse do to ensure effective communication?
The nurse should use a professional interpreter who is trained and qualified in medical terminology and cultural sensitivity to assist with the communication between the nurse and the client. This ensures that the information is conveyed accurately and respectfully, and that the client's privacy and confidentiality are maintained.
Ask a family member or friend of the client to act as an interpreter. - This is not a recommended practice, as family members or friends may not be fluent in both languages, may not understand medical terms, may omit or add information, or may have biases or emotional involvement that affect the communication.
Repeat the questions several times until the client understands. - This is not an effective strategy, as repeating the same words may not improve comprehension, and may frustrate or offend the client. The nurse should rephrase or simplify the questions, or use nonverbal cues such as gestures or pictures, to facilitate understanding.
Use medical jargon and technical terms to explain the diagnosis and treatment. - This is not an appropriate strategy, as medical jargon and technical terms may confuse or intimidate the client, especially if they have limited English proficiency. The nurse should use plain language and avoid acronyms, abbreviations, or slang when communicating with the client.
Correct answer: A) Use a professional interpreter to assist with the communication.
Rationale: The nurse should use a professional interpreter who is trained and qualified in medical terminology and cultural sensitivity to assist with the communication between the nurse and the client. This ensures that the information is conveyed accurately and respectfully, and that the client's privacy and confidentiality are maintained.
Incorrect options:
B) Ask a family member or friend of the client to act as an interpreter. - This is not a recommended practice, as family members or friends may not be fluent in both languages, may not understand medical terms, may omit or add information, or may have biases or emotional involvement that affect the communication.
C) Repeat the questions several times until the client understands. - This is not an effective strategy, as repeating the same words may not improve comprehension, and may frustrate or offend the client. The nurse should rephrase or simplify the questions, or use nonverbal cues such as gestures or pictures, to facilitate understanding.
D) Use medical jargon and technical terms to explain the diagnosis and treatment. - This is not an appropriate strategy, as medical jargon and technical terms may confuse or intimidate the client, especially if they have limited English proficiency. The nurse should use plain language and avoid acronyms, abbreviations, or slang when communicating with the client.