NBCMI Professional Code of Ethics 4

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline and refer him to the provider or the patient

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Courteously decline gifts beyond token value, following employer policy

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Accuracy and completeness

Answer

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

NBCMI - National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters Practice Test