What should an interpreter do to verify patient understanding?

• A. Verify understanding with the patient.
• B. Assume comprehension based on nodding.
• C. Only ask the clinician if understanding is in doubt.
• D. Skip checking to save time.

Answer: (B)

Verifying patient understanding directly with the patient is essential. Nod confirmation can be misleading; people may nod out of politeness, reluctance, or cultural reasons and still misunderstand. The most reliable method is teach-back: ask the patient to restate in their own words what was explained or demonstrate how they will carry out the plan. This gives a real check of comprehension and allows you to correct any misunderstandings right away. Relying on the clinician to judge understanding or skipping checks undermines safety, since assumptions based on nodding can hide gaps in communication. Use plain language, confirm understanding step by step, and invite questions to ensure the patient truly grasps the information.