Which patient condition should be reported to the nurse at once?

The correct answer is when a resident shows signs of pain. Recognizing and reporting pain is essential in patient care because it can indicate underlying medical issues that may require immediate intervention. Pain can have various causes, such as injury or exacerbation of a chronic condition, and it is crucial for healthcare providers to assess and manage pain effectively to promote patient comfort and well-being.

When a resident demonstrates signs of pain, such as grimacing, guarding a specific area of the body, or verbalizing discomfort, it is vital to inform the nurse promptly. This allows for appropriate pain management strategies to be implemented, such as medication administration or further evaluation to determine the cause and necessary treatment.

Other choices, while relevant to patient care, do not typically require immediate reporting to a nurse. For example, excitement may be a normal emotional response, hunger can often be managed by providing meals or snacks, and boredom may not pose an immediate threat to a resident's health or safety, though it is still important to address to enhance the quality of life. Pain, however, is a more urgent concern that needs to be addressed promptly to ensure the patient's health is maintained.