A nurse observes smoke emanating from a wastebasket in a client's room. The client is unable to move independently, the fire alarm has not yet activated, and the flames appear contained. Which actions should the nurse take in accordance with the RACE and PASS protocols? Select all that apply.
Select All That Apply
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
The nurse first rescues the client who cannot leave independently (Choice 3), activates the alarm (Choice 4), and closes the door to confine smoke and fire (Choice 6). Trying to extinguish the fire before rescue reverses RACE priorities (Choice 1). Retrieving an evacuation plan before sounding the alarm delays the response (Choice 2). Other clients are moved according to the danger and facility plan, not only after an extinguisher attempt fails (Choice 5). Extinguisher use follows PASS only when the nurse is trained, has an exit route, and can attempt it safely after the earlier RACE actions.
Clinical Reasoning The nurse first rescues the client who cannot leave independently (Choice 3), activates the alarm (Choice 4), and closes the door to confine smoke and fire (Choice 6). Trying to extinguish the fire before rescue reverses RACE priorities (Choice 1). Retrieving an evacuation plan before sounding the alarm delays the response (Choice 2). Other clients are moved according to the danger and facility plan, not only after an extinguisher attempt fails (Choice 5). Extinguisher use follows PASS only when the nurse is trained, has an exit route, and can attempt it safely after the earlier RACE actions.
Option Review
Incorrect — RACE begins with rescuing anyone in immediate danger. Attempting to extinguish the fire first delays removal of a client who cannot move independently.
Incorrect — The alarm should be activated promptly after the client in immediate danger is rescued; retrieving a plan first creates an unsafe delay.
Correct — Removing the immobile client from immediate danger is the Rescue step of RACE and is the first priority.
Correct — Activating the alarm alerts the response team and others in the facility after the client is rescued from immediate danger.
Incorrect — Evacuation decisions are based on danger and the facility plan, not on whether one extinguisher attempt succeeds. Extinguishing is attempted only when safe and after rescue, alarm, and confinement actions.
Correct — Closing the room door helps confine smoke and fire as directed by the Contain step of RACE.
Sources
12026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
2OSHA training material: Emergency action and fire prevention
A nurse observes smoke emanating from a wastebasket in a client's room. The client is unable to move independently, the fire alarm has not yet activated, and the flames appear contained.