A patient being treated for an MI has been transferred from the intensive care unit to a step-down unit

Question

She is anxious and uses the call bell as often as every 15 minutes, complaining or making a seemingly small request each time the staff member enters the room. Which indicator should staff focus on to monitor for the outcome of "anxiety self-control"? a. Patient monitors duration of anxiety episodes
b. Patient sleeps 7 or more hours each night
c. Patient has stopped using the call button
d. Uses call button not more than once per hour

Answer 1

D
Using the button less frequently suggests that the patient is less needy because she is more secure and less anxious. Not using the call button at all suggests that she is reluctant to bother staff, which is not desirable if she truly needs assistance. Monitoring her own anxiety does not necessarily indicate improvement, and sleep duration does not necessarily reflect one's level of anxiety.