Brenda is a 32-year-old Caucasian woman who is deaf. She has been referred to you for an evaluation because she was found passed out in her apartment by her landlady. The landlady contacted 911, and Brenda was taken to the emergency room. While being detoxed in the hospital, the attending physician referred her for an alcohol/drug evaluation. A qualified interpreter is available for the evaluation.

1. What would you need to talk with the interpreter about before conducting the evaluation?

2. How would you approach Brenda to facilitate her communicating with you?

3. What types of questions would you ask of Brenda to facilitate her trust in you?

4. What would you do if Brenda refused to talk with you about her personal history, including her drug use?