A Spanish-speaking client is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Who is the best person to translate the instructions?

The primary care nurse and the Spanish-speaking UAP together provide a comprehensive approach to ensure effective communication of the surgical instructions to the client. The primary care nurse is familiar with the specific medical context, details, and instructions related to the surgery, which are essential for accurate translation and understanding. This nurse can clarify medical terminology, address any questions, and ensure that the client comprehensively understands the pre-operative preparations, risks, and post-operative care.

Additionally, utilizing a Spanish-speaking UAP enhances the translation process as they can bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, ensuring that the message is conveyed in an approachable and comprehensible manner. This collaboration fosters a supportive environment, promoting both clarity and confidence for the client regarding their upcoming procedure.

Relying solely on a UAP with extensive experience does not guarantee comprehension of complex medical instructions, while the client's husband, despite being an attorney, may not possess the clinical knowledge required. A practical nurse from another unit might bring language skills but lacks the contextual familiarity needed to provide accurate and thorough instructions. Hence, the joint effort of the primary care nurse and the bilingual UAP is the most effective choice for ensuring the client's understanding of their surgical instructions.