Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

When may a nursing assistant ignore a resident's call light?

1. The resident uses it too often for unimportant reasons.

2. The nursing assistant has had conflict with the resident in the past.

3. The nursing assistant just finished giving care to that resident.

4. Never.

The correct answer is: Never.

A nursing assistant is never permitted to ignore a resident's call light. The call light is an essential communication tool that allows residents to alert staff when they need assistance, regardless of whether the request seems trivial or excessive. Ignoring the call light could lead to unsafe situations or unmet needs, which is contrary to the standard of care that nursing assistants are required to uphold. Each resident has the right to request help at any time, and it's the responsibility of the nursing assistant to respond promptly to ensure the resident's safety, comfort, and well-being. Not responding could contribute to feelings of neglect, increase anxiety, and negatively impact the overall quality of care provided. Therefore, responding to call lights is a fundamental part of providing supportive and respectful care to residents.