Question

An emergency call signal is sounding in Room 108. The nurse aide assigned to that room is on her lunch break. You should:

A. notify the nurse in charge.
B. go to the break room to get the nurse aide who is assigned to Room 108.
C. answer the signal and ask the client how you can help.
D. ignore the signal, as this is not your responsibility.

Answer 1

When an emergency call signal is sounding and the assigned nurse aide is unavailable, (C) one should answer the signal and provide help or, if unable to assist, notify the nurse in charge. Ignoring the call is not an option due to the potential risk to the patient's health.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the most appropriate action to take when an emergency call signal is sounding in Room 108 and the nurse aide assigned to that room is on her lunch break is to answer the signal and ask the client how you can help. It's crucial to respond promptly to emergency signals to ensure patient safety and provide immediate assistance. Ignoring the call is not an option, as it could have severe consequences for the client's health.

Even though it might not be directly your responsibility, it's important to observe your surroundings and overcome the bystander effect, a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a person when other people are present. In such a situation, taking swift action is essential. If for some reason you cannot assist, you should immediately notify the nurse in charge or any other available authority figure who can provide the necessary help.