NIC Ethical Decision-Making & Professional Conduct 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An interpreter notices that a Deaf client is receiving incorrect medical information due to a doctor's miscommunication—not an interpreting error. What is the most ethical action?
- Correct the doctor directly to protect the client
- Interpret the information accurately and allow the consumer to address the discrepancy (Correct answer)
- Pause and explain to both parties that there seems to be a misunderstanding
- Refuse to continue interpreting until the error is corrected
Correct answer: Interpret the information accurately and allow the consumer to address the discrepancy
NIC ethics require interpreters to render messages faithfully without interfering in the communication process, leaving corrections to the consumers themselves.
Question 2: A colleague asks you to cover an assignment and share all background documents you received for it. What should you do?
- Share everything since the colleague will be bound by the same confidentiality
- Share only non-sensitive logistical details and remind the colleague to request materials directly from the agency (Correct answer)
- Decline to share anything and refuse to help find a replacement
- Share the documents but ask the colleague to sign a confidentiality agreement first
Correct answer: Share only non-sensitive logistical details and remind the colleague to request materials directly from the agency
Confidential materials belong to the assigning entity, and sharing them without authorization violates confidentiality even between colleagues.
Question 3: During a legal proceeding, an interpreter realizes mid-assignment that they are acquainted with the defendant. They have not yet disclosed this. What should be done?
- Continue interpreting since the acquaintance is not a close friend
- Disclose the relationship to all parties immediately and offer to withdraw (Correct answer)
- Finish the day's session and disclose at the next opportunity
- Only disclose if asked directly by the judge
Correct answer: Disclose the relationship to all parties immediately and offer to withdraw
RID and NIC ethics require prompt disclosure of any potential conflict of interest, regardless of how minor the relationship seems.
Question 4: A Deaf consumer asks the interpreter to omit offensive language used by a hearing speaker because it is embarrassing. The interpreter should:
- Omit the language to respect the Deaf consumer's dignity
- Render the offensive language accurately while using appropriate register (Correct answer)
- Substitute a milder equivalent to preserve the tone without the offense
- Ask the hearing speaker to rephrase before interpreting
Correct answer: Render the offensive language accurately while using appropriate register
Fidelity to the source message requires interpreting all content accurately, including offensive language, so consumers can make fully informed decisions.
Question 5: Which behavior BEST demonstrates professional conduct when an interpreter disagrees with a colleague's ethical choice after an assignment?
- Post about the situation anonymously on social media to seek peer feedback
- Raise the concern with the colleague privately and, if unresolved, consult a supervisor or ethics board (Correct answer)
- Report the colleague immediately to the licensing board without first speaking to them
- Say nothing to preserve the working relationship
Correct answer: Raise the concern with the colleague privately and, if unresolved, consult a supervisor or ethics board
Addressing concerns directly with the colleague first aligns with professional norms; escalation is appropriate only if the issue remains unresolved.
Question 6: An interpreter working in a small community is approached at a grocery store by a past client who begins discussing a previous appointment in public. The interpreter should:
- Engage freely since the client chose to initiate the conversation
- Politely redirect or limit the conversation to avoid disclosing confidential information in public (Correct answer)
- Walk away immediately without explanation
- Remind the client loudly that the interpreter cannot discuss past appointments
Correct answer: Politely redirect or limit the conversation to avoid disclosing confidential information in public
Confidentiality must be maintained in all settings; the interpreter should gently steer the interaction away from confidential topics.
Question 7: When is it ethically permissible for an interpreter to act as an advocate for a Deaf consumer during an assignment?
- Whenever the interpreter believes the consumer is being treated unfairly
- It is generally not permissible; advocacy roles conflict with the impartiality standard during interpreting (Correct answer)
- Only in medical settings where health is at risk
- Whenever the consumer explicitly requests it
Correct answer: It is generally not permissible; advocacy roles conflict with the impartiality standard during interpreting
Taking on an advocacy role during interpreting compromises impartiality; interpreters may refer consumers to advocacy resources but should not advocate themselves during the assignment.
NIC Ethical Decision-Making & Professional Conduct 2
An interpreter notices that a Deaf client is receiving incorrect medical information due to a doctor's miscommunication—not an interpreting error.
What is the most ethical action?