The nurse is dealing with a patient who calls the call bell four times in an hour about minor concerns. What is the best intervention?

The nurse is dealing with a patient who calls the call bell four times in an hour about minor concerns. What is the best intervention?

• A. Tell the patient that call bells are limited to once per hour.
• B. Sit with the patient and ask him to describe his feelings and concerns.
• C. Alternate care with another nurse to give the impression of more attention.
• D. Set limits and state that the requests are not appropriate.

Answer: (B)

When a patient uses the call bell repeatedly for minor concerns, the best approach is to engage in therapeutic communication to uncover the underlying needs. Sit with the patient and invite him to describe his feelings and worries. This open, nonjudgmental dialogue helps reveal what’s really driving the calls—pain, discomfort, thirst, toileting needs, loneliness, anxiety, or uncertainty about symptoms. By listening and validating his concerns, you can address the actual issue, provide reassurance, and take targeted actions (comfort measures, pain relief, clear instructions), which often reduces unnecessary calling and improves safety and trust. Restrictive or deceptive responses—like limiting call bells, alternating staff to appear more attentive, or setting abrupt limits—don’t solve the root problem and can damage the nurse-patient relationship and overlook legitimate needs.

When a patient uses the call bell repeatedly for minor concerns, the best approach is to engage in therapeutic communication to uncover the underlying needs. Sit with the patient and invite him to describe his feelings and worries. This open, nonjudgmental dialogue helps reveal what’s really driving the calls—pain, discomfort, thirst, toileting needs, loneliness, anxiety, or uncertainty about symptoms. By listening and validating his concerns, you can address the actual issue, provide reassurance, and take targeted actions (comfort measures, pain relief, clear instructions), which often reduces unnecessary calling and improves safety and trust. Restrictive or deceptive responses—like limiting call bells, alternating staff to appear more attentive, or setting abrupt limits—don’t solve the root problem and can damage the nurse-patient relationship and overlook legitimate needs.