Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A charge nurse observes smoke coming from a trash receptacle in the unit's waiting room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct answer
Evacuating clients ensures their safety, the top priority in a fire. Alarms, extinguishers, and containment follow.
Rationale
The correct answer is to evacuate clients from the area first. This is because ensuring the safety of individuals is the top priority in any emergency situation, including a fire. Evacuating clients helps to remove them from potential harm and danger. Once clients are safely evacuated, the next steps can be taken to address the fire, such as activating the fire alarm system to alert others, obtaining and using a fire extinguisher if safe to do so, and closing doors and windows to contain the fire. Evacuation is the initial and most critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in a fire emergency.