Final Written Exam - Medical Interpreting

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.

• Interpret everything, add nothing.

• Skip the information about the ‘evil eye’ because it is not relevant to the patient’s health care.

• Tell the patient the doctor might be insulted by his primitive belief, and encourage the patient to give the doctor the date of when he became ill.

• Interpret everything, then ask the patient to clarify for the doctor what the "evil eye" is.

What is sight translation?

Give two examples of documents that are INAPPROPRIATE to sight translate? Why are they inappropriate?

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.

If a patient asks your advice regarding a traditional healing practice, it is appropriate for you to give your opinion.

• True

• False

Describe the multi-step process if an interpreter must provide a written translation of prescription information or discharge instructions to a patient.

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.

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.

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.

Pacemaker (definition):

Pacemaker (translation):

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.

• True

• False

Resident (definition):

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.

• True

• False

Resident (translation): 

Polyp (definition): 

Polyp (translation):

Sterile (definition): 

Sterile (translation):

Aneurysm (definition):

Aneurysm (translation):

Power of attorney (definition):

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.

• True

• False

Power of attorney (translation):

Cervix (definition):

Cervix (translation):

What is the goal of all interpreters?

• To ensure patients are satisfied when they leave the hospital.

• To facilitate understanding of the information discussed in the medical encounter.

• To ensure that patient has understood everything discussed in the medical encounter.

• To ensure a good health outcome for the patient.

Infusion (IV) (definition):

Infusion (IV) (translation):

Constipation (definition):

Constipation (translation):

You should always interpret slang or foul language because the provider needs to know the emotional state of the patient.

• True

• False

Over-the-counter (definition):

Over-the-counter (translation):

C-section (definition):

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.

• True

• False

To protect oneself from exposure to an infectious disease an interpreter should:

• Always read all posted signs before entering a patient's room.

• Always interpret from the doorway or from behind a curtain.

• Always vigorously wash hands before entering a patient’s room.

• Always request gloves and a mask before entering a patient’s room.

It is appropriate for you to promote yourself as a freelance interpreter while on assignment at the hospital.

• True

• False

C-section (translation):

An interpreter should interpret the spirit of the message, mimicking the patient’s gestures, and tone of voice.

• True

• False

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.

• True

• False

If an interpreter is accidentally exposed to an infectious disease, it would be appropriate to:

• Ask for a tetanus shot.

• Request reimbursement for your treatment.

• Ask the provider for instructions on how to appropriately deal with the exposure.

• File a complaint with the hospital.

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?

• Advocacy

• Beneficence

• Respect

• Accuracy

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.

• True

• False

Which of the following actions would constitute Advocacy?

• Informing a patient of his right to lodge a complaint.

• Asking the provider if the interpreter can check the patient’s understanding because the patient looks confused.

• Intervening in an interpreted session because of a perceived cultural misunderstanding.

• 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.

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?

• Ask the patient if she would like to discuss her concerns with a nurse.

• ​​​​​Remind the patient that the interpreter cannot give advice and leave.

• Look up the number to La Leche and offer it to the patient.

• Give the patient the free hospital brochure on nursing a baby.

The role of the interpreter includes:

• Giving advice to clients only when asked.

• Providing cultural information to the doctor.

• Sharing information with family members.

• Simplifying terms for patients.

If during an encounter a patient asks the interpreter for advice on whether or not to sign a consent form for a life-saving intervention, which principle in the National Code of Ethics should guide the interpreter’s actions:

• Impartiality

• Confidentiality

• Cultural Awareness

• Advocacy