# Drag each action for a small fire in an occupied client room to the correct fire-response category. > source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr) > url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=568369&lang=en > language: en > subject: Accident/Error/Injury Prevention > category: SIPC ## Question Drag each action for a small fire in an occupied client room to the correct fire-response category. **1.** Remove the client from the room immediately Select a category Unsafe action Safe extinguisher operation Immediate life-safety response **2.** Activate the fire alarm Select a category Unsafe action Safe extinguisher operation Immediate life-safety response **3.** Close the door to the client's room Select a category Unsafe action Safe extinguisher operation Immediate life-safety response **4.** Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher Select a category Unsafe action Safe extinguisher operation Immediate life-safety response **5.** Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire Select a category Unsafe action Safe extinguisher operation Immediate life-safety response **6.** Use the elevator to evacuate the client Select a category Unsafe action Safe extinguisher operation Immediate life-safety response ## Explanation The nurse must first remove the client from immediate danger, then activate the alarm and close doors to contain smoke and fire. If the fire is small, an exit is available, and extinguisher use will not delay evacuation, the nurse may use the PASS method. However, if the fire grows or smoke fills the room, evacuation takes priority and re-entry is unsafe. ## In-depth explanation Quick answer The correct categorization reflects the priority of life safety and safe extinguisher use. The client on oxygen is at higher risk, so immediate removal is critical. Closing the door and activating the alarm are immediate life-safety responses. Using the extinguisher with PASS is safe only if evacuation is not delayed and the fire is small. Why this is correct In a fire, the nurse's first priority is to protect the client. The RACE acronym (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate) guides actions. Oxygen increases fire risk, so removal is urgent. PASS is used only when safe to do so. Clinical picture A client receiving oxygen is at increased risk for rapid fire spread. The nurse must remove the client from the room, activate the alarm, and close the door to contain the fire. If the fire is small and an exit is available, the nurse may use an extinguisher with the PASS technique, but only if it does not delay evacuation. Memory hook Remember RACE for fire response: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate. For extinguisher use, remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. NCLEX decision rule Life safety is always the first priority. Never use an elevator during a fire. Never re-enter a smoke-filled room. Use an extinguisher only if the fire is small, an exit is available, and its use will not delay evacuation. Why the alternatives are wrong Actions like using an elevator, re-entering a smoke-filled room, or fighting a growing fire are unsafe and not part of immediate life-safety response or safe extinguisher operation. Closing the door without first removing the client would be incorrect because the client's safety is paramount. Sources 1NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan 2U.S. Fire Administration: extinguisher PASS method 3NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan ## Clinical scenario A nurse discovers a small fire in a waste container in a client's room. The client is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. The room is not filled with smoke, and the exit is clear. The nurse must act immediately. ## Key concepts - **RACE** — Acronym for fire response: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate. - **PASS** — Acronym for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. - **Immediate life-safety response** — Actions taken to protect life first, such as removing the client from danger, activating the alarm, and containing the fire. ## Related questions - [A circulating nurse leads the final time-out for an operative procedure. 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