Question

Difficulty: MediumAccident, Error, and Injury Prevention

Upon entering a client's room in a rehabilitation center, a practical nurse observes smoke and small flames coming from a wastebasket near the privacy curtain. The client is currently resting in bed. Arrange the following actions in the priority order the nurse should perform them.

  1. 1Assist the client out of the room to a secure area.
  2. 2Activate the facility fire alarm system.
  3. 3Close the door to the client's room.
  4. 4Attempt to put out the fire using an appropriate extinguisher.

Answer

The correct sequence of actions follows the RACE protocol: First, move the client to safety (Rescue). Second, activate the alarm (Alarm). Third, close the room door to contain the fire (Confine). Fourth, use a fire extinguisher on the small fire if safe to do so (Extinguish).
In the event of a fire, health care personnel must follow the RACE acronym to ensure safety and effective emergency response. 'R' stands for Rescue, which means immediately moving anyone in danger to a safe area. 'A' stands for Alarm, which involves activating the fire alarm to alert the facility and emergency services. 'C' stands for Confine, which requires closing doors to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. 'E' stands for Extinguish, indicating that staff should attempt to put out small fires with an extinguisher only after the first three steps are completed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assist the client out of the room to a secure area.
The client is removed from the immediate hazard.
Rescuing individuals in immediate danger is the first phase of the RACE protocol.
2
Activate the facility fire alarm system.
The facility and emergency personnel are notified.
Sounding the alarm ensures that a broader emergency response is initiated.
3
Close the door to the client's room.
The fire and smoke are localized to the room of origin.
Confining the fire prevents it from spreading to the rest of the unit.
4
Attempt to put out the fire using an appropriate extinguisher.
The small fire is suppressed.
Extinguishing is the final step, performed only after safety is secured, the alarm is sounding, and containment measures are in place.

Key Concept

Fire Emergency Response (RACE Protocol)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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