F.I.T. FINAL WRITTEN EXAM REVIEW
(THE MEDICAL INTERPRETER
TEXTBOOK) QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS
Define RESPECT (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The interpreter treats all parties
with respect
Define ADVOCACY (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-When the Patient's health, well-
being, or dignity is at risk, the interpreter may be justified in acting as an advocate.
Advocacy is understood as an action taken on behalf of an individual that goes beyond
facilitating communication, with the intention of supporting good health outcomes.
Advocacy must only be undertaken after careful and thoughtful analysis of the situation
and if other less intrusive actions have not resolved the problem.
Define PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The
interpreter strives to continually further his/her knowledge and skills.
Define PROFESSIONALISM (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The interpreter must at
all times act in a professional and ethical manner.
Explain the concept of "CONFIDENTIALITY"? (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The
interpreter must be careful of sharing any information or details that can identify a
patient.
You might be required to break confidentiality for some instances such as:
- If you are required by law (e.g. you get a subpoena to testify in court)
- If there is "imminent danger" such as a risk of homicide or suicide (required in many or
most states)
- If there is suspicion of child or vulnerable adult abuse (may not be required in every
state for interpreters)
(Note: Domestic violence is not considered "imminent danger" unless the victim's life is
in danger. So you usually would not report it. )
Explain the concept of "ACCURACY"? (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-Interpret
EVERYTHING, including:
"Bad words"
side conversations
Information you didn't catch (ask for repetition)
Long answers that seem irrelevant or go on and on.
Offensive language, upsetting remarks and insults.
, (Note: Remember there is No accuracy without transparency; If you can't hear it, you
can't interpret it. ; Lack of transparency can lead to side conversations which is the most
common complaint from providers and can lead to mistrust of interpreters;)
What are some obstacles for Accuracy (NCIHC Code of Ethics)? - Answer-- A situation
spirals out of control
- Patient is incoherent (intoxication, or other reason)
- Several people talking all at once (Too much noise)
(If you note a serious problem, you could say "Excuse me, as the interpreter, one of my
goals is to provide accurate interpretation, and I am concerned _____________
(potentially offer to work with the provider to come up with a solution?)".)
Explain the concept of "IMPARTIALITY" (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-Interpreter
must remain unbiased and neutral, however patients and providers may misunderstand
your role and pressure you to do something that violates this ethical requirement. It is
important to clarify your role.
(Ex: Patient might ask for your opinion of the provider,
Nurse or Social Worker may leave you alone with a patient with a long consent form or
advanced directives form that you are expected to fill out and explain with no one
present to ask questions.)
Avoid conflicts of interest such as interpreting for people you know.
Define Conflicts of Interest - Answer-Any situation that might compromise your
impartiality
What are the 3 steps for managing conflicts of interest? - Answer-(1) Always disclose
the relationship and the conflict of interest
(2) Offer to Withdraw
(3) If all Parties ask you to stay, self Evaluate to see whether you should or shouldn't
stay
(really reconsider this last step, ALWAYS consider what is best for the patient, and how
it will affect you if you do choose to stay)
Explain the concept of "ROLE BOUNDARIES" (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-It is
important to know your role and stay in your role as a medical interpreter. Educate
providers, patients and clients about your role.
(Ex: Clarify that you cannot answer questions while you interpret, unless they are
questions about your interpreting or what you just said)
What are some special considerations for "Role Boundaries"? - Answer-- When you
know the patient and it is hard to avoid people you know
- Dual Role interpreters (bilingual staff) must clarify with provider if they are needed as
medical interpreter or as their other role.
(THE MEDICAL INTERPRETER
TEXTBOOK) QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS
Define RESPECT (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The interpreter treats all parties
with respect
Define ADVOCACY (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-When the Patient's health, well-
being, or dignity is at risk, the interpreter may be justified in acting as an advocate.
Advocacy is understood as an action taken on behalf of an individual that goes beyond
facilitating communication, with the intention of supporting good health outcomes.
Advocacy must only be undertaken after careful and thoughtful analysis of the situation
and if other less intrusive actions have not resolved the problem.
Define PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The
interpreter strives to continually further his/her knowledge and skills.
Define PROFESSIONALISM (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The interpreter must at
all times act in a professional and ethical manner.
Explain the concept of "CONFIDENTIALITY"? (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-The
interpreter must be careful of sharing any information or details that can identify a
patient.
You might be required to break confidentiality for some instances such as:
- If you are required by law (e.g. you get a subpoena to testify in court)
- If there is "imminent danger" such as a risk of homicide or suicide (required in many or
most states)
- If there is suspicion of child or vulnerable adult abuse (may not be required in every
state for interpreters)
(Note: Domestic violence is not considered "imminent danger" unless the victim's life is
in danger. So you usually would not report it. )
Explain the concept of "ACCURACY"? (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-Interpret
EVERYTHING, including:
"Bad words"
side conversations
Information you didn't catch (ask for repetition)
Long answers that seem irrelevant or go on and on.
Offensive language, upsetting remarks and insults.
, (Note: Remember there is No accuracy without transparency; If you can't hear it, you
can't interpret it. ; Lack of transparency can lead to side conversations which is the most
common complaint from providers and can lead to mistrust of interpreters;)
What are some obstacles for Accuracy (NCIHC Code of Ethics)? - Answer-- A situation
spirals out of control
- Patient is incoherent (intoxication, or other reason)
- Several people talking all at once (Too much noise)
(If you note a serious problem, you could say "Excuse me, as the interpreter, one of my
goals is to provide accurate interpretation, and I am concerned _____________
(potentially offer to work with the provider to come up with a solution?)".)
Explain the concept of "IMPARTIALITY" (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-Interpreter
must remain unbiased and neutral, however patients and providers may misunderstand
your role and pressure you to do something that violates this ethical requirement. It is
important to clarify your role.
(Ex: Patient might ask for your opinion of the provider,
Nurse or Social Worker may leave you alone with a patient with a long consent form or
advanced directives form that you are expected to fill out and explain with no one
present to ask questions.)
Avoid conflicts of interest such as interpreting for people you know.
Define Conflicts of Interest - Answer-Any situation that might compromise your
impartiality
What are the 3 steps for managing conflicts of interest? - Answer-(1) Always disclose
the relationship and the conflict of interest
(2) Offer to Withdraw
(3) If all Parties ask you to stay, self Evaluate to see whether you should or shouldn't
stay
(really reconsider this last step, ALWAYS consider what is best for the patient, and how
it will affect you if you do choose to stay)
Explain the concept of "ROLE BOUNDARIES" (NCIHC Code of Ethics) - Answer-It is
important to know your role and stay in your role as a medical interpreter. Educate
providers, patients and clients about your role.
(Ex: Clarify that you cannot answer questions while you interpret, unless they are
questions about your interpreting or what you just said)
What are some special considerations for "Role Boundaries"? - Answer-- When you
know the patient and it is hard to avoid people you know
- Dual Role interpreters (bilingual staff) must clarify with provider if they are needed as
medical interpreter or as their other role.
