What should an interpreter do when assisting a patient who communicates through sign language?

When assisting a patient who communicates through sign language, the interpreter's primary role is to accurately convey the patient's message without adding any personal interpretations or commentary. This is crucial because the integrity of the patient's communication must be maintained; any alterations could lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the patient's needs or concerns.

By reporting exactly what the patient signs, the interpreter ensures that the message is transmitted clearly and remains true to the original intent of the speaker. This practice upholds the principles of effective communication and culturally appropriate care, particularly for those who rely on sign language as their primary mode of communication.

The other options involve practices that may interfere with the clarity of communication. Voicing what is signed may introduce variations or interpretations that could distort the patient's message. Documenting answers is important, but it is not part of the immediate interpreting process. Avoiding lip movement contradicts the nature of many sign language users who may rely on visual cues, including lip reading, to enhance communication, hence would not be ideal in this scenario.