A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a 3-year-old child who has suspected epiglottitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is Choice B: Speak in a normal voice at a natural pace.

Choice A rationale: Directing statements to the interpreter is inappropriate because it can make the client feel excluded from the conversation. The focus of communication should be on the client, and the interpreter is present only to facilitate understanding between the nurse and the client. Direct eye contact and addressing the client directly is important for establishing rapport and trust.

Choice B rationale: Speaking in a normal voice at a natural pace is crucial when working with an interpreter to ensure accurate translation and comprehension. It provides the interpreter with enough time to accurately convey the message while maintaining a conversational flow. Speaking too fast or in an unnatural tone can create confusion and lead to misinterpretation, ultimately affecting the quality of care provided to the client.

Choice C rationale: Using gestures while speaking with the client may not be helpful when working with an interpreter. Gestures may be culturally specific and can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Furthermore, the interpreter may not be able to accurately convey the intended message through gestures, leading to communication errors.

Choice D rationale: Pausing in the middle of sentences is not recommended when working with an interpreter. This practice can disrupt the flow of the conversation, confuse the interpreter, and lead to incomplete translations. It is essential to speak in complete sentences and provide pauses between sentences to enable the interpreter to accurately translate the information to the client.

The correct answer is choice B: Dyspnea.

Choice B rationale: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a potential indication of a recurrent pulmonary embolism and should be reported immediately. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.

Choice A rationale: Hypotension may be a concerning finding in postoperative clients, but it is not the priority for a client with a history of pulmonary embolism. Hypotension could be related to various factors like bleeding or anesthesia effects.

Choice C rationale: Dry cough may occur as a result of irritation or inflammation in the airway due to the surgical procedure or anesthesia. Although it should be monitored, it is not the highest priority in this situation.

Choice D rationale: Tachycardia can be a common postoperative finding due to pain, anxiety, or other factors. Although it should be monitored and addressed, it is not the most critical concern in this case. Dyspnea is more closely related to a possible pulmonary embolism and should be reported promptly.