A client who does not understand English requires an interpreter. Which action may exacerbate health disparities?

A client who does not understand English requires an interpreter. Which action may exacerbate health disparities?

• A. The nurse talks only to the interpreter about the client
• B. The nurse speaks directly to the client
• C. The nurse uses visual aids to explain
• D. The nurse asks questions in simple terms

Answer: (A)

Direct communication with the patient who needs an interpreter is essential to ensure the patient’s voice, preferences, and understanding are central to care. When the nurse talks only to the interpreter about the patient, the patient becomes a passive recipient rather than an active participant in the conversation. This can hide the patient’s concerns, lead to incomplete or misinterpreted information, and undermine informed consent, all of which can widen disparities in care. Engaging the patient directly—while using the interpreter as a bridge—helps capture the patient’s symptoms, values, and goals more accurately. Supporting tools like visual aids and asking questions in simple terms further improve understanding and collaboration, reducing language-related barriers and promoting equity in care.

Direct communication with the patient who needs an interpreter is essential to ensure the patient’s voice, preferences, and understanding are central to care. When the nurse talks only to the interpreter about the patient, the patient becomes a passive recipient rather than an active participant in the conversation. This can hide the patient’s concerns, lead to incomplete or misinterpreted information, and undermine informed consent, all of which can widen disparities in care.

Engaging the patient directly—while using the interpreter as a bridge—helps capture the patient’s symptoms, values, and goals more accurately. Supporting tools like visual aids and asking questions in simple terms further improve understanding and collaboration, reducing language-related barriers and promoting equity in care.