With limited English and translator delays, what is the nurse's stance on a child translating medical information for a parent?

• A. These circumstances may allow the child to translate.
• B. Always wait for a professional interpreter.
• C. The child should not translate.
• D. Translate information before understanding.

Answer: (A)

When language barriers and delays in obtaining an interpreter exist, a nurse may temporarily rely on a child to translate to keep essential communication moving. This acknowledges the urgent need to convey basic information and ensure care while waiting for a professional interpreter. The key is to limit this to simple, non-technical details and to seek a professional interpreter as soon as possible, avoiding complex consent or sensitive news through the child. This approach balances the immediate need for understanding with safety and ethical considerations.

Other options overstate the ideal or introduce unsafe practices: waiting for a professional interpreter is best practice, but not always immediately feasible in urgent situations; having the child translate for everything is not appropriate; and translating before understanding is unsafe because accurate translation relies on understanding first.