If the patient does not speak English, which action is best to obtain informed consent?

• A. Use sign language
• B. Call for a hospital interpreter
• C. Obtain it from a bilingual family member who is in the room
• D. Point to the signature line of the consent form and have the patient sign it

Answer: (B)

Obtaining informed consent requires clear, accurate communication in the patient’s language. When a patient does not speak English, the safest and most reliable way to ensure understanding of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives is to call for a hospital interpreter. A trained medical interpreter can translate precisely, explain medical terms in plain language, and confirm that the patient truly understands what they are consenting to, while keeping information confidential.

Using a bilingual family member can introduce bias, incompleteness, or errors in translation, which risks misinforming the patient. Relying on sign language is appropriate only if the patient uses that mode of communication; even then, a qualified medical interpreter should be involved. Simply pointing to a signature line does not verify understanding or voluntary consent.