A nurse smells smoke and sees flames in a client's trash can… | MyMerci
Accident/Error/Injury PreventionSIPC
Question
A nurse smells smoke and sees flames in a client's trash can. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Close all unit doors and windows.
2Rescue the client from immediate danger.✓ Correct answer
3Pull the alarm after finishing documentation.
4Attempt to extinguish the fire before moving the client.
Explanation
The RACE sequence begins with rescuing anyone in immediate danger. The nurse then activates the alarm, contains the fire, and extinguishes or evacuates if safe. Documentation is not a priority during an active fire.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Fire safety first action.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Fire safety first action, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
RACE — Fire response sequence: rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish or evacuate.
Rescue — Moving clients away from immediate danger.
Evacuation — Moving people from an unsafe location to a safer area.