Medical Interpreting Flashcards
7 cards from real CASLI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical Interpreting flashcards as text
A Deaf patient uses ASL signs unfamiliar to the interpreter during a psychiatric evaluation. What is the best course of action?
Answer: Inform the provider that clarification is needed and pause interpretation
The interpreter must transparently inform the provider when comprehension is impaired so clinical accuracy is preserved.
Which ethical principle is MOST at risk when a medical interpreter summarizes a patient's lengthy narrative instead of interpreting it fully?
Answer: Accuracy and completeness
Summarizing omits detail the provider needs, directly violating the accuracy and completeness standard.
During a pre-operative consent discussion, the surgeon speaks very quickly. The ASL interpreter should:
Answer: Ask the surgeon to pause periodically to ensure complete interpretation
The interpreter has a professional right and responsibility to request pacing that allows full, accurate interpretation.
A DeafBlind patient arrives for a medical appointment. Which interpreting mode is most appropriate?
Answer: Tactile ASL or Pro-Tactile method
Tactile ASL or Pro-Tactile is the standard approach for DeafBlind individuals who cannot access visual signing.
When a physician asks the interpreter, 'Does the patient seem to understand?', the interpreter should:
Answer: Explain that assessing comprehension is the provider's role and offer to re-interpret if needed
Assessing patient comprehension is a clinical function; the interpreter should redirect that responsibility to the provider.
Which scenario best illustrates role boundary maintenance in a medical setting?
Answer: The interpreter relays the patient's emotional distress signs accurately to the provider
Faithfully conveying emotional content through the provider stays within the interpreter's role; direct clinical action does not.
A patient discloses during interpretation that they are being abused at home. Under CASLI ethics, the interpreter should:
Answer: Continue interpreting and allow the clinician to respond
The interpreter must convey the disclosure accurately so the clinician, who holds reporting obligations, can respond appropriately.