1.
Briefly describe what you can do if a patient starts to tell you about her medical problems while you are helping her fill out her medical forms.
2.
What actions can an interpreter take to help develop the patient-provider relationship within the interpreted encounter?
3.
A doctor tells a patient she needs to have a lumbar puncture. You can’t think of an equivalent for this medical term in the target language; however, you are familiar with the procedure so you simply explain the procedure to the patient. Is this appropriate? Why or why not?
4.
A patient uses vulgar language to express to the doctor his dissatisfaction with the long wait time in the emergency room. You are embarrassed by his use of language, so you simply tell the doctor, “The patient is cursing.” Is this appropriate? Why or why not?
5.
Service providers and clients often say more than an interpreter can remember leading to inaccuracies in interpreting. What are TWO strategies an interpreter can use during the interpreted encounter to effectively manage the length of utterance?
6.
Why is transparency important when interpreting in health care?
7.
If an interpreter has to intervene, what are the steps to ensure the intervention is transparent?
8.
As you are leaving the hospital, the patient asks you if you remember when she was supposed to schedule her follow-up Urology and Gynecology appointments. You have this information in your notes. What do you do?
9.
Describe your understanding of confidentiality (and describe who is in the “treating team”).
10.
LIST and DEFINE in your own words the nine principles of the National Code of Ethics. Do not use the title in your definition (e.g. RESPECT: treat everyone with respect).
11.
Why is it important for healthcare interpreters to understand their own personal values?
12.
Why is it important for healthcare interpreters to be aware of cultural factors which may affect an interpreting situation?
13.
When is advocacy NOT appropriate?
14.
If you believe that advocacy is necessary, list the steps (in general) you would take to advocate correctly.
15.
What is sight translation?
16.
Give two examples of documents that are INAPPROPRIATE to sight translate? Why are they inappropriate?
17.
If a provider asks you to sight translate a consent form, what would you tell her? Please write down your answer as if you were speaking with the provider.
18.
Describe the multi-step process if an interpreter must provide a written translation of prescription information or discharge instructions to a patient.
19.
You have interpreted various times for an elderly woman who had a difficult health problem. She is extremely grateful for your help and has brought you a gift of some traditional food that she made.
Which principle(s) of the National Code of Ethics will help you with your decision?
What would you do and why? Explain how each principle you listed above helps guide you.
20.
After you have introduced yourself to the patient in the waiting room, a patient confides in you that he is using cocaine regularly. Later, during the encounter, the physician asks the patient if he is using any drugs. The patient says, “No, I have never used any drugs, except aspirin and cold remedies.” The doctor goes on to the next question.
Which principle(s) of the National Code of Ethics will help you with your decision?
What would you do and why? Explain how each principle you listed above helps guide you.
21.
You are interpreting for a doctor and a pregnant woman. The doctor tells the patient that she needs to have a glucose tolerance test done (a test that helps determine if there is risk of developing diabetes during the pregnancy). The doctor explains how the test is done and why it is important. The doctor asks the patient if she has any questions. She says she has none. The doctor leaves. The patient asks you if she should really go ahead with the test.
Which principle(s) of the National Code of Ethics will help you with your decision?
What would you do and why? Explain how each principle you listed above helps guide you.
22.
If a patient asks your advice regarding a traditional healing practice, it is appropriate for you to give your opinion.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is not appropriate for a healthcare professional to give their personal opinion on traditional healing practices when asked by a patient. Healthcare professionals should base their advice on evidence-based medicine and scientific research. Giving personal opinions may lead to misinformation and potentially harmful outcomes for the patient. It is important for healthcare professionals to provide accurate and reliable information to patients, guiding them towards safe and effective treatments.
23.
If you are interpreting at the Public Aid Office and the representative asks about the patient’s income and you know they are working but the patient lies and says they are unemployed, you should keep the information to yourself and not tell the representative the patient is lying.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In this scenario, as an interpreter at the Public Aid Office, it is important to maintain impartiality and confidentiality. Even if you know that the patient is lying about their employment status, it is not your role to disclose this information to the representative. Your duty is to accurately interpret the conversation between the representative and the patient without adding any personal judgment or bias. By keeping the information to yourself, you maintain the integrity of the interpreting process and respect the patient's privacy.
24.
If a doctor asks for your phone number because his patient is going to deliver over the weekend and the agency will be closed when he tries to call for an interpreter, it is appropriate for you to give him/her your phone number due to the emergency nature of the situation.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is not appropriate to give the doctor your phone number in this situation. While it may be an emergency, it is not your responsibility to provide personal contact information. The doctor should find an alternative solution, such as contacting the agency beforehand or finding another interpreter who is available.
25.
It is appropriate for you to translate the Patient Bill of Rights for the hospital while waiting for the patient to come out of surgery.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Translating the Patient Bill of Rights for the hospital while waiting for the patient to come out of surgery is not appropriate. The Patient Bill of Rights is a document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients in a healthcare setting. Translating it is a task that should be done before the patient goes into surgery, to ensure that they fully understand their rights and can provide informed consent. Translating it while waiting for the patient to come out of surgery would not be timely or effective in ensuring the patient's understanding of their rights.
26.
You should always interpret slang or foul language because the provider needs to know the emotional state of the patient.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Interpreting slang or foul language is important because it helps the healthcare provider understand the emotional state of the patient. Slang and foul language can often reflect the patient's frustration, anger, or discomfort, which may be crucial information for the provider to assess and address the patient's needs effectively. By interpreting such language, the provider can gain insights into the patient's emotional well-being and provide appropriate care and support.
27.
After an evaluation to determine eligibility for SSI, the social worker (who asked for the interpreter, but was not present) from the workman’s comp insurance agency asks you to tell her what happened during the evaluation. You should tell her you cannot answer her questions.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In this scenario, it is important to prioritize client confidentiality and privacy. Since the social worker asked for an interpreter but was not present during the evaluation, it indicates that the client's information was meant to be confidential. Therefore, it is appropriate to inform the social worker that you cannot answer her questions to protect the client's privacy and maintain professional ethics.
28.
It is appropriate for you to promote yourself as a freelance interpreter while on assignment at the hospital.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Promoting oneself as a freelance interpreter while on assignment at the hospital is not appropriate. As a freelance interpreter, one should maintain professionalism and prioritize the needs of the patients and healthcare professionals. Promoting oneself could create conflicts of interest and compromise the quality of interpretation services provided. It is essential to focus on the task at hand and ensure effective communication between patients and healthcare providers without any personal agenda.
29.
An interpreter should interpret the spirit of the message, mimicking the patient’s gestures, and tone of voice.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between individuals who speak different languages. In the context of healthcare, it is important for interpreters to not only translate words accurately but also convey the emotions, gestures, and tone of voice of the patient. This helps to ensure that the true meaning and intent of the message are accurately conveyed. Therefore, the statement that interpreters should interpret the spirit of the message, mimicking the patient's gestures, and tone of voice is true.
30.
If a doctor uses a word you believe the patient will not understand, it is appropriate for you to explain the term to the patient.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is not appropriate for a medical professional to explain a term to a patient if they believe the patient will not understand it. This is because the doctor's role is to provide accurate information and ensure proper understanding, but explaining complex medical terms to a patient who may not have the necessary knowledge or background can lead to confusion or misinformation. It is important for doctors to use clear and understandable language when communicating with patients, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them.
31.
It may be appropriate for you to discuss your interpreting assignment with someone outside of the healthcare encounter, if you do not provide the patient’s name, or other identifying information.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is appropriate to discuss your interpreting assignment with someone outside of the healthcare encounter if you do not provide the patient's name or other identifying information. This is because maintaining patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare settings, and discussing the assignment with someone who is not involved in the encounter helps ensure that patient information remains confidential. By discussing the assignment without revealing any identifying details, interpreters can seek guidance or support without compromising patient privacy.
32.
The role of the interpreter includes:
Correct Answer
B. Providing cultural information to the doctor.
Explanation
The role of the interpreter includes providing cultural information to the doctor. This means that the interpreter is responsible for facilitating communication between the doctor and the patient by bridging any cultural gaps that may exist. By providing cultural information, the interpreter helps the doctor understand the patient's background, beliefs, and values, which can greatly influence the diagnosis and treatment process. This ensures that the doctor can provide the most appropriate and culturally sensitive care to the patient.
33.
A patient comes to his appointment with family members. During the encounter family members begin discussing the patient’s treatment plan amongst themselves. An interpreter should:
Correct Answer
C. Attempt to simultaneously interpret everything the family says, or ask family members to take turns speaking.
Explanation
In this scenario, the interpreter should attempt to simultaneously interpret everything the family says or ask family members to take turns speaking. The interpreter's role is to facilitate effective communication between the patient, family members, and the doctor. By interpreting everything the family says, the doctor can stay informed about the discussion and actively participate in the treatment plan. This ensures that the patient receives the necessary care and that all parties involved are on the same page.
34.
When a doctor repeats her question to the patient and the interpreter knows the answer, the interpreter should:
Correct Answer
C. Interpret the question to the patient and let the patient answer it again.
Explanation
The correct answer is to interpret the question to the patient and let the patient answer it again. This is because the interpreter's role is to facilitate communication between the doctor and the patient, ensuring accurate and complete understanding. By interpreting the question again, the interpreter allows the patient another opportunity to provide their answer, ensuring that the doctor receives the most accurate response.
35.
A patient becomes distressed when a nurse tries to take away a traditional healing object from that patient, which principle in the National Code of Ethics should FIRST guide the interpreter’s actions:
Correct Answer
B. Cultural Awareness
Explanation
The principle of Cultural Awareness should guide the interpreter's actions in this situation. This is because the patient is distressed when the nurse tries to take away a traditional healing object, indicating that the object holds cultural significance to the patient. By being culturally aware, the interpreter can understand the importance of the object to the patient and advocate for their right to keep it, while still ensuring accurate communication between the nurse and patient. Respecting the patient's cultural beliefs and practices is essential in providing holistic and patient-centered care.
36.
When is it appropriate for an interpreter to intervene during the interpreting process?
Correct Answer
B. When the patient discusses cultural information with which the doctor may not be familiar.
Explanation
It is appropriate for an interpreter to intervene during the interpreting process when the patient discusses cultural information with which the doctor may not be familiar. This is because cultural differences can greatly impact communication and understanding between the doctor and patient. The interpreter can provide clarification or additional information to ensure accurate communication and prevent misunderstandings.
37.
A doctor asks the patient how long he’s been sick. The patient answers that it started when he argued with his neighbor and he believes his neighbor “gave him the evil eye.” The doctor looks confused and repeats the question, stating that he believes the patient misunderstood his question.
Correct Answer
D. Interpret everything, then ask the patient to clarify for the doctor what the "evil eye" is.
Explanation
The correct answer is to interpret everything and then ask the patient to clarify for the doctor what the "evil eye" is. This is the best course of action because it allows the doctor to fully understand the patient's perspective and beliefs, even if they may seem irrelevant to the doctor's medical assessment. By asking the patient to explain what the "evil eye" is, the doctor can gain insight into the patient's cultural or personal beliefs that may be influencing their perception of their illness. This can help establish a better doctor-patient relationship and ensure that the doctor has all the necessary information to provide appropriate care.
38.
While helping the patient schedule his follow-up appointment, the patient states he will not follow his doctor’s advice on not smoking while wearing a nicotine patch. Which principle in the National Code of Ethics should guide the interpreter’s decision-making process?
Correct Answer
C. Respect
Explanation
The principle of respect should guide the interpreter's decision-making process in this situation. Respect involves valuing and honoring the patient's autonomy and choices, even if they may not align with the doctor's advice. The interpreter should respect the patient's decision to continue smoking while wearing a nicotine patch, and should not impose their own judgments or try to persuade the patient otherwise.
39.
A patient is having trouble breastfeeding and asks you if you know where she can get help. You know of an excellent organization called La Leche, which works with nursing mothers. What should the interpreter do?
Correct Answer
A. Ask the patient if she would like to discuss her concerns with a nurse.
Explanation
The interpreter should ask the patient if she would like to discuss her concerns with a nurse. This is the most appropriate response because it allows the patient to express her concerns and seek help from a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding. The interpreter is not qualified to give advice or provide specific resources, so it is best to direct the patient to someone who can assist her effectively.
40.
The daughter of the patient for whom you are interpreting has stated that her mother does not need an interpreter. The interpreter should:
Correct Answer
C. Interpret the request to the doctor and if the doctor says it is okay for the daughter to interpret, ask the doctor if the interpreter can remain in the room.
Explanation
The correct answer is to interpret the request to the doctor and if the doctor says it is okay for the daughter to interpret, ask the doctor if the interpreter can remain in the room. This is because even if the daughter believes she can interpret, it is important to ensure that the patient's rights are protected and that they receive accurate and complete information about their medical condition and treatment. By asking the doctor if the interpreter can remain in the room, the interpreter is advocating for the patient's best interests and ensuring effective communication.
41.
If a patient asks the interpreter for the name of a good acupuncturist, which principle in the National Code of Ethics should guide the interpreter’s actions:
Correct Answer
D. Role Boundaries
Explanation
The principle of Role Boundaries should guide the interpreter's actions in this situation. As an interpreter, it is not within their role to provide recommendations or opinions on healthcare providers. Their role is to accurately interpret and facilitate communication between the patient and healthcare professionals. Providing the name of a good acupuncturist would go beyond their role boundaries and could potentially lead to biased or inaccurate information.
42.
The interpreter is in the waiting area with a patient who has advanced dementia, her husband who also has early stages of dementia, and her caregiver. When the nurse calls the patient’s name, the caregiver and husband make no move to accompany the interpreter and patient to the examination room. In this situation, the interpreter would MOST APPROPRIATELY:
Correct Answer
A. Ask the nurse whether the caregiver should accompany the interpreter and patient to the examination room.
Explanation
In this situation, the interpreter should ask the nurse whether the caregiver should accompany the interpreter and patient to the examination room. This is because the patient has advanced dementia, and it is important to ensure that they have appropriate support and supervision during the examination. The interpreter should not make assumptions or decisions on their own, but rather seek guidance from the nurse who is familiar with the patient's needs and the protocols of the healthcare facility.
43.
Which of the following is NOT part of the interpreter’s role?
Correct Answer
A. Referring the patient to another doctor because the doctor is being rude to the patient.
Explanation
The interpreter's role involves facilitating communication between the patient and the doctor, ensuring that both parties understand each other. This includes checking for understanding and clarifying any terms that the interpreter may not understand. Additionally, the interpreter may provide cultural information to the doctor to help them better understand the patient's complaint. However, referring the patient to another doctor because of rudeness is not part of the interpreter's role.
44.
Which of the following is not a Core Value for interpreters in health care?
Correct Answer
D. Transparency
Explanation
Transparency is not a Core Value for interpreters in health care because it does not directly relate to the role of interpreters in providing language access and facilitating effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. While transparency is important in healthcare, it is not a specific value that interpreters are expected to uphold in their professional practice. Instead, interpreters are expected to have awareness of culture, demonstrate fidelity to the message being conveyed, and prioritize beneficence by ensuring that they do no harm to the patients they are assisting.
45.
On your way to reception to make a follow-up appointment with the doctor, the patient tells you that she’s actually having regular chest pains. Since the doctor seemed in a hurry, she didn’t want to mention it and take up any more of his time. What would be the BEST course of action for the interpreter to take?
Correct Answer
C. Encourage the patient to share the information with the nearest healthcare provider.
Explanation
In this situation, the patient has expressed that she is experiencing regular chest pains but did not mention it to the doctor due to his apparent hurry. The best course of action for the interpreter would be to encourage the patient to share this information with the nearest healthcare provider. This is important because chest pains can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, and it is crucial for the patient's health and well-being that this information is communicated to a healthcare professional who can assess and address the situation appropriately.
46.
The intent of the principle of Professionalism in the NCIHC National Standards of Practice is to:
Correct Answer
B. Ensure that interpreters always strive to act in a manner that maintains the integrity of their work and upholds the values and ethical principles of their profession.
Explanation
The principle of professionalism in the NCIHC National Standards of Practice is intended to ensure that interpreters consistently act in a way that upholds the values and ethical principles of their profession and maintains the integrity of their work. This means that interpreters should always strive to provide high-quality interpretation services, adhere to professional standards, and continue to enhance their skills and understanding of the content and context in which they interpret. By doing so, interpreters can ensure that they are providing the best possible service to both the patient and the healthcare provider, and avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
47.
What is the goal of all interpreters?
Correct Answer
B. To facilitate understanding of the information discussed in the medical encounter.
Explanation
The goal of all interpreters is to facilitate understanding of the information discussed in the medical encounter. Interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the language and cultural barriers between healthcare providers and patients. Their primary objective is to ensure effective communication by accurately interpreting and conveying medical information, instructions, and concerns between both parties. This helps patients fully comprehend their medical condition, treatment options, and any other information relevant to their healthcare. By facilitating understanding, interpreters contribute to better patient outcomes and overall satisfaction with the healthcare experience.
48.
To protect oneself from exposure to an infectious disease an interpreter should:
Correct Answer
A. Always read all posted signs before entering a patient's room.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Always read all posted signs before entering a patient's room." This is because reading the posted signs can provide important information about the patient's condition, any precautions that need to be taken, and any specific instructions for interpreters. By reading the signs, the interpreter can ensure they are aware of any potential risks or necessary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to infectious diseases.
49.
If an interpreter is accidentally exposed to an infectious disease, it would be appropriate to:
Correct Answer
C. Ask the provider for instructions on how to appropriately deal with the exposure.
Explanation
If an interpreter is accidentally exposed to an infectious disease, it would be appropriate to ask the provider for instructions on how to appropriately deal with the exposure. This is because the provider would have the necessary knowledge and expertise to guide the interpreter on the appropriate steps to take in order to minimize the risk of infection and ensure proper treatment. Asking for a tetanus shot or reimbursement for treatment may not be relevant or necessary in this situation. Filing a complaint with the hospital would also not address the immediate concern of dealing with the exposure.
50.
Which of the following actions would constitute Advocacy?
Correct Answer
D. Asking the receptionist to look again for an appointment next week, even though she says there are none, because the doctor specifically requested a 7-day follow-up.
Explanation
Advocacy involves actively supporting and promoting the rights and interests of others. In this scenario, asking the receptionist to look again for an appointment next week, despite being told there are none, shows advocacy. By advocating for the patient's rights and following the doctor's instructions for a 7-day follow-up, the individual is taking action to ensure the patient receives the necessary care and attention. This demonstrates a commitment to advocating for the patient's well-being and rights within the healthcare system.