Why are family members discouraged as ad hoc interpreters in most clinical settings?

• A. They may lack medical terminology knowledge.
• B. They may reveal confidential information.
• C. They may introduce bias or extraneous information.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that interpreters in clinical settings must be accurate, confidential, and neutral. Family members as ad hoc interpreters often don’t meet these needs. They may lack medical terminology, so translations can be incomplete or incorrect, risking misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. They may reveal confidential information to other relatives or people outside the care team, breaching privacy and trust. They can also introduce bias or extraneous information, adding personal opinions, emotional reactions, or family dynamics that distort what is communicated and what the patient understands. Taken together, these issues undermine accuracy, confidentiality, and neutrality, which is why professional interpreters are preferred. All of the above captures why family members are discouraged in this role.