A client who speaks limited English is scheduled for a nonemergency procedure. The adult child says, "I can translate the consent form." Which action should the nurse take?
1Delay all nursing care until the provider returns to the unit.
2Request a qualified medical interpreter before consent discussion continues.✓ Correct answer
3Allow the adult child to interpret because the client agrees.
4Ask the client to sign and document that family translation was offered.
Explanation
Informed consent requires communication the client can understand, and a qualified interpreter protects accuracy and client autonomy. Family members may support the client but should not replace a medical interpreter for consent. Nursing care can continue while arranging the appropriate communication support.
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Informed consent with interpreter.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical Practice GuideFor Informed consent with interpreter, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Informed Consent — A client's voluntary agreement after receiving understandable information about a procedure.
Qualified Medical Interpreter — A trained interpreter used to support accurate health care communication.
Autonomy — The client's right to make informed decisions about their own care.