Most Common Reasons Patients Push Their Call Buttons

While working as a CNA, among the many tasks you will need to perform is answering call buttons. Patients push their call buttons for a broad range of reasons, and since some of these reasons can be vital to their health, you must answer them immediately. But just what are the most common reasons patients push their call buttons? Read on to find out.

Pain or Discomfort

Perhaps the number one reason patients push their call buttons is due to pain or discomfort. If patients are experiencing an extremely large amount of pain or discomfort, they will likely push their call button. If this is the case, you should answer their call, ask them about their pain or discomfort and report it to your supervisor if necessary.

In some cases, you may be able to handle the call yourself. If they are simply uncomfortable, you may be able to help them by adjusting a pillow or turning them in their beds. However, even if you are able to help your patients, it is essential that you document your patients' complaints and what you did to help.

Thirst or Hunger

Another common reason patients may push their call buttons is because they are either thirsty or hungry. It is important for you to ensure that your patients have access to fresh, cool water at all times. Additionally, if your patients are hungry in between meals, you will need to supply them with various snacks approved by your employer.

As such, make sure that supplying your patients with a pitcher of ice water and a clean glass is part of your daily routine. Additionally, find out from your employer what types of snacks you are allowed to offer your patients in between meals, and find out where they are located so that you can give them to your patients if necessary.

Boredom or Loneliness

While not as common as the above reasons, two other common reasons that patients may push their call buttons are due to boredom or loneliness. Both boredom and loneliness can lead to varying degrees of depression, and when patients experience boredom or loneliness to extreme, they may push their call buttons.

The good news is that there are many things that you can do to relieve boredom or loneliness in patients. If you find that some of your patients are bored or lonely, take some time out to speak with them. Find out about the types of hobbies they enjoy, and take some time to partake in some special activities with them. Things you may consider doing with them are as follows.

• Share a Puzzle or Game
• Read to Them
• Help Them with Crafts
• Take Them for a Walk
• Watch a Movie with Them
• Talk to Them About Their Past
• Help Them Create a Scrapbook

Personal Hygiene Needs

Finally, another common reason that patients may push their call buttons is due to personal hygiene needs. If patients need help with such things as getting dressed, using a bedpan or urinal, or taking a bath, they will typically push their call buttons. In these cases, it is of the utmost importance that you provide the care that your patients need. If you do not provide the necessary care in such situations, there could be serious repercussions.

Conclusion

Some of the most common reasons patients push their call buttons are due to pain, discomfort, thirst, hunger, boredom, loneliness and personal hygiene needs.