In a medical appointment, when the doctor leaves and the Deaf client asks what they should do, what should you do?

In a medical appointment, when the doctor leaves and the Deaf client asks what they should do, what should you do?

• A. Provide medical advice
• B. Let her know you cannot give advice
• C. Ask the doctor to advise
• D. Translate the options only

Answer: (B)

Interpreters must not give medical advice; your role is to facilitate communication, not to make medical recommendations. When the doctor leaves and the Deaf client asks what they should do, the best response is to calmly tell her that you cannot provide medical advice. You can then offer to translate any guidance the doctor provides when they return, and help her formulate questions to ask the clinician so she can get clear instructions. If immediate guidance is needed, you can point her to a nurse or receptionist who can help, but you should not interpret or advise about medical decisions yourself. This keeps the interaction accurate, patient safety intact, and respects professional boundaries.

Interpreters must not give medical advice; your role is to facilitate communication, not to make medical recommendations. When the doctor leaves and the Deaf client asks what they should do, the best response is to calmly tell her that you cannot provide medical advice. You can then offer to translate any guidance the doctor provides when they return, and help her formulate questions to ask the clinician so she can get clear instructions. If immediate guidance is needed, you can point her to a nurse or receptionist who can help, but you should not interpret or advise about medical decisions yourself. This keeps the interaction accurate, patient safety intact, and respects professional boundaries.