# The charge nurse observes the response to smoke and fire in a client room. Which actions require immediate follow-up? Highlight the actions that increase danger during the fire response.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=497303&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

The charge nurse observes the response to smoke and fire in a client room. Which actions require immediate follow-up? Highlight the actions that increase danger during the fire response.

| Response phase | Observed staff action |
| --- | --- |
| Immediate rescue | Moves the client nearest the flames beyond the smoke compartment doors |
| Alarm | Activates the fire alarm and reports the room location immediately |
| Ventilation | Opens the room window to clear smoke from the oxygen-use area |
| Containment | Closes the room door after the client is moved to safety |
| Oxygen source | Leaves oxygen flowing beside the material that continues to burn |
| Extinguisher | Approaches the fire although dense smoke blocks the exit path behind |
| Relocation | Follows the unit plan for horizontal movement into the next compartment |
| Communication | Gives responding personnel the fire location and known oxygen hazard |
| Exit route | Keeps the designated evacuation corridor clear of equipment and carts |

## Explanation

Opening a window, leaving oxygen flowing near the fire, and attempting extinguisher use without a safe exit require follow-up. Rescue, alarm activation, door closure, and plan-directed relocation limit exposure and support evacuation.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Highlight opening the room window, continuing oxygen flow beside the burning material, and approaching with an extinguisher when smoke blocks the exit path. These actions can feed combustion, spread smoke, or trap the responder.

Why this is correct
Hospitals require a practiced emergency action and fire-prevention plan. Oxygen supports combustion, doors help contain smoke, and portable extinguisher use is appropriate only for a small incipient fire when the responder has training and a clear evacuation path.[2]

Easy analogy or mental picture
Picture smoke and fire as water behind a compartment door: opening extra pathways lets the hazard travel, while closing the door buys time for rescue and relocation. Unlike water, fire also accelerates in oxygen-enriched areas, so the analogy is limited.

Memory hook
Rescue, alarm, contain, relocate; oxygen feeds fire.

NCLEX decision rule
During a healthcare fire, protect people first, activate the alarm, contain smoke and fire, control oxygen only when safe and directed, and never fight a fire that blocks the exit or exceeds training.

Why the other choices are wrong
Moving the nearest client from immediate danger, activating the alarm, closing doors, following horizontal-relocation instructions, reporting the exact location, and using the designated safe route are expected actions. They support the facility plan without exposing staff to an unsafe fire.References

- [1]NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing

- [2]OSHA: Hospital Fire HazardsOccupational Safety and Health Administration

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