A nurse is teaching dietary guidelines to a client who has celiac disease.
Which of the following food choices is appropriate for this client?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Recording the client's progress in the nurses' notes is important for documentation but does not directly promote communication among staff caring for the client. It is essential for the continuity of care and legal documentation, but it does not facilitate active communication between team members.

Choice B rationale:

Posting swallowing precautions at the head of the client's bed is essential for the client's safety, especially considering the risk of aspiration following a stroke. While it ensures the staff is aware of the precautions, it does not directly promote communication among the staff members.

Choice C rationale:

Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a regular basis is the best choice as it promotes communication among the staff caring for the client. Interdisciplinary team meetings allow healthcare professionals from various disciplines, such as nurses, therapists, and doctors, to collaborate, share information, and discuss the best approach to care for the client. This approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care, addressing both the client's medical and communication needs.

Choice D rationale:

Noting changes in the treatment plan in the client's medical record is crucial for documentation and continuity of care but does not actively promote real-time communication among the staff members. While it is essential for keeping the medical record updated, it does not facilitate immediate communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals.