How should dosage information be handled to ensure patient safety?

• A. Translate idiomatic phrases instead of dosages.
• B. Translate exact dosages and instructions; if unclear, seek clarification from the clinician before proceeding.
• C. Skip dosages and focus on general advice.
• D. Translate only the numbers.

Answer: (B)

Exact translation of dosage information is essential for patient safety. Medication dosing is highly precise—a small shift in the number, unit, route, or timing can change how the drug works and risk harm. The interpreter should convey the exact dosages and all accompanying instructions, preserving every component: the drug name, the amount, the unit, the route of administration, the frequency, duration, and any special directions (for example, “take with food,” “avoid driving,” or “call if you miss a dose”). If anything about the dosage is unclear—handwriting, decimal points, or ambiguous units—the clinician should be asked for clarification before proceeding. This avoids guessing and prevents errors that could occur if dosages are translated imprecisely or omitted. Options that focus on translating idioms, skipping dosages, or translating only numbers fail to communicate the precise instructions needed for safe medication use.