What item lets the patient signal for help?

• A. Call light
• B. Alarm
• C. Phone
• D. Bell

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a patient signals for help using a device connected to the nurse call system—the call light. It’s placed within easy reach at the bedside, so the patient can simply press a button to summon a nurse or aide when they need assistance, such as help getting in or out of bed, using the bathroom, or addressing pain. This setup ensures staff are alerted quickly and can respond promptly, which supports safety and responsive care.

An alarm is generally used for safety alerts or equipment issues rather than patient-initiated requests for help. A phone can connect to others but isn’t the standard, reliable way for staff to know a patient needs immediate assistance in a bedbound setting. Bell is an older term that you might hear, but in modern practice the device designed for patient-initiated help is the call light, linked to the nurse call system for direct and timely response.