A nurse enters a client’s room and sees a small fire in the client’s bathroom.
Identify the sequence of steps the nurse should take.
(Move the steps, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)
A.
Use the unit’s fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire.
B.
Close all nearby windows and doors.
C.
Activate the facility’s fire alarm system.
D.
Transport the client to another area of the nursing unit.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
In a fire emergency, the nurse should prioritize actions that ensure the safety of the client and others in the area. The sequence of steps to follow is guided by the RACE protocol, which stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish. Here’s the correct order of steps:
- D. Transport the client to another area of the nursing unit.
- C. Activate the facility’s fire alarm system.
- B. Close all nearby windows and doors.
- A. Use the unit’s fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire.
Detailed Explanation
- Rescue (D. Transport the client to another area of the nursing unit): The first and most critical step is to ensure the safety of the client. This involves moving the client away from the immediate danger of the fire. In this case, the nurse should transport the client out of the room to a safe area within the nursing unit. Ensuring the client’s safety should always be the top priority, as the situation can escalate quickly, putting the client at risk of smoke inhalation or burns.
- Alarm (C. Activate the facility’s fire alarm system): After the client is safely away from the fire, the nurse should activate the fire alarm system. This alerts other staff members and emergency personnel to the fire, ensuring that additional help will arrive. Prompt activation of the alarm is essential for controlling the situation and initiating the facility’s fire response procedures.
- Contain (B. Close all nearby windows and doors): Once the alarm is raised, the nurse should focus on containing the fire by closing windows and doors. This step helps to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas, as it limits the oxygen supply that fuels the fire. Containment is crucial in minimizing damage and protecting other clients, staff, and the facility.
- Extinguish (A. Use the unit’s fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire): The final step is to attempt to extinguish the fire using the appropriate fire extinguisher. The nurse should only attempt this if the fire is small and manageable. If the fire is too large or out of control, the nurse should evacuate and leave the extinguishing to trained emergency personnel.
By following this sequence, the nurse maximizes the safety of the client and ensures a systematic response to the fire. Each step is essential, and adhering to this order helps prevent panic and reduces the risk of injury or further damage.