Standards of Practice Application Flashcards

During a session, the provider uses the idiom "you're out of the woods" and you are unsure whether the patient's language has an equivalent expression. According to the NCIHC accuracy standard, what is the best approach?

Answer: Convey the meaning (the danger has passed) rather than translating the idiom word for word

Accuracy means keeping the meaning of the message, so an idiom with no equivalent should be rendered by its meaning, not its literal words.

A patient tells the interpreter, "Don't tell the doctor, but I stopped taking my blood pressure pills." What should the interpreter do?

Answer: Remind the patient that everything said will be interpreted, then interpret the statement to the provider

Interpreters keep information confidential from outside parties, not from the care team, and must interpret everything said within the encounter.

An interpreter realizes partway through a session that they misinterpreted a dosage instruction a few minutes earlier. What does the standard of practice require?

Answer: Correct the error right away and tell all parties that a correction is being made

NCIHC accuracy standards require interpreters to correct their own errors as soon as they notice them, out of concern for patient safety.

The provider says something the interpreter thinks is condescending toward the patient. Under the impartiality principle, the interpreter should:

Answer: Interpret the message faithfully, keeping its tone and register

Impartiality and accuracy require conveying the register and tone of the message without editorializing or softening it.

A patient keeps glancing toward the interpreter and speaking to them directly instead of to the doctor. Which strategy best supports direct communication between patient and provider?

Answer: Interpret in the first person and use body positioning that encourages the patient to address the provider

Using the first person and positioning yourself well are standard techniques for encouraging direct patient-provider communication.

An interpreter is assigned to a patient who turns out to be the interpreter's former neighbor and close friend. What is the most appropriate step?

Answer: Disclose the conflict of interest and withdraw if possible

The impartiality standard requires interpreters to disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest and to withdraw when it could affect neutrality.

During an encounter, the provider and the patient's family begin speaking over each other. What should the interpreter do?

Answer: Manage the flow of communication by asking speakers to pause so everything can be interpreted

Interpreters may manage the flow of communication, briefly and transparently, so that everything said is interpreted.