A nurse is admitting a client who speaks a different language than the nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Using unauthorized internet translating services is a violation of hospital policy and patient privacy (HIPAA). These services are often inaccurate regarding complex medical terminology, which can lead to dangerous misunderstandings of the patient’s medical history, allergies, or current symptoms, potentially resulting in medical errors. Choice B reason: Utilizing a facility-designated medical interpreter is the professional and legal standard for ensuring accurate communication. These professionals are trained in medical terminology and the ethics of confidentiality. This ensures that the patient fully understands their care plan and that the nurse receives precise subjective data for the admission assessment. Choice C reason: Asking a family member or partner to interpret is non-therapeutic and ethically problematic. Family members may omit sensitive information, add their own biases, or fail to understand medical jargon. Furthermore, it places an inappropriate emotional burden on the family member and may violate the patient's right to private communication with their healthcare team. Choice D reason: Relying on a bilingual colleague is generally discouraged unless they are formally certified as a medical interpreter. Using a colleague can pull them away from their own patient care duties and does not guarantee the same level of linguistic accuracy or adherence to interpreting standards that a professional facility-designated interpreter provides.