CMI Cultural Competency and Sensitivity 2

Question 1

When a patient uses a folk illness term (e.g., 'susto' or 'mal de ojo'), the interpreter should:

Accepted Answer

Render the term accurately and, if necessary, provide a brief cultural explanation to the provider

Answer

Folk illness terms carry cultural meaning; the interpreter renders them faithfully and may briefly explain the cultural concept to the provider to ensure appropriate care.

Question 2

Which of the following practices best demonstrates cultural humility in a medical interpreter?

Accepted Answer

Continuously self-reflecting and acknowledging the limits of one's cultural knowledge

Answer

Cultural humility involves ongoing self-reflection, openness to learning, and acknowledging that no interpreter can fully know every aspect of another's culture.

Question 3

In some cultural contexts, discussing death or a terminal prognosis directly with a patient may be considered:

Accepted Answer

Harmful or taboo, with family traditionally receiving such news first

Answer

In some cultures, communicating a terminal diagnosis directly to the patient is considered harmful or disrespectful, and family members traditionally receive and filter such information.

Question 4

Which of the following is the interpreter's correct approach when a patient refuses to answer a question citing cultural reasons?

Accepted Answer

Interpret the refusal accurately and leave the decision to the provider and patient

Answer

The interpreter faithfully conveys the patient's refusal to the provider without judgment or pressure, preserving patient autonomy.

Question 5

What is an interpreter's responsibility when they recognize that a patient's cultural practice (e.g., herbal remedy use) may interact with prescribed medications?

Accepted Answer

Interpret the information accurately so the provider is aware

Answer

The interpreter's role is to accurately render all relevant information, including the patient's use of traditional or herbal remedies, so the provider can assess potential interactions.

CMI - Certified Medical Interpreter Practice Test

CMI - Certified Medical Interpreter Practice Test

CMI Cultural Competency and Sensitivity 2