Professional Code of Ethics Flashcards

A patient's adult son asks the interpreter after the session whether his mother's biopsy result was cancer. What is the most ethical response?

Answer: Politely decline and refer him to the provider or the patient

Confidentiality bars interpreters from disclosing patient information to anyone, including family, without authorization.

An interpreter is assigned to a patient who turns out to be their former neighbor. What should the interpreter do first?

Answer: Disclose the relationship to the parties and offer to withdraw if needed

Impartiality standards require disclosing any potential conflict of interest so parties can decide how to proceed.

During an encounter, the provider uses a term the interpreter does not know. What is the ethically correct action?

Answer: Pause, inform both parties, and ask the provider for clarification

Accuracy requires interpreters to acknowledge and correct gaps rather than guess or omit meaning.

A patient offers the interpreter a $50 gift card as thanks after a long hospitalization. According to professional ethics, the interpreter should:

Answer: Courteously decline gifts beyond token value, following employer policy

Interpreters should avoid accepting gifts or gratuities that could create a conflict of interest or appearance of bias.

Which principle is violated when an interpreter softens a provider's blunt prognosis to spare the patient's feelings?

Answer: Accuracy and completeness

Interpreters must convey the full meaning and tone of messages without adding, omitting, or softening.

An interpreter notices a nurse about to administer medication to which the patient said earlier they are allergic. What should the interpreter do?

Answer: Speak up immediately to alert the nurse to the potential safety risk

Ethical codes permit interpreter intervention when there is an imminent risk to patient health or safety.

An interpreter is asked to interpret for a procedure in a specialty well beyond their training and experience. The most ethical choice is to:

Answer: Inform the requester of their limitation and decline or seek a qualified interpreter

Interpreters must accept only assignments for which they are qualified and disclose limits of competence.