As E & R says call them for a training fix and they tell you where you are. If you sound stressed out, they'll know.
So if it is likely to be obvious, why not take the guess work out and ask for what you need properly.
I don't think that banning anyone except instructors from calling is a good idea, it is a procedure like any other and needs to be practiced every so often.
If you are lost, call D&D and let them know, if you are training, then use a training fix. It's not rocket science and there is no room for interpretation.