During an evening shift on a medical unit, the only nurse on the unit is busy with an unstable client. The unit clerk, who is also both a certified medication aide and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), reports to the nurse that a healthcare provider is on the telephone and wishes to prescribe an as needed (PRN) dose of an oral over-the-counter laxative for a client who is constipated. Which instruction should the nurse provide the unit clerk?

Choice A Reason: Instructing UAPs to transfer all non-ambulatory clients via wheelchairs is not a good intervention, as it may expose the clients and the UAPs to smoke and fire, and cause panic and congestion in the hallways. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish), which means rescuing only those clients who are in immediate danger, and containing the fire by closing doors and windows.

Choice B Reason:Following the RACE acronym, evacuation of those in immediate danger is the priority. Instructing ambulatory clients to move toward the nearest fire exit is the most efficient way to clear the unit. Nursing staff must guide these individuals to safety first to minimize congestion and allow for focused assistance.

department's efforts. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol, which means evacuating only as a last resort, and only after receiving instructions from the fire department.

Choice C Reason: Staying in rooms is a "defend in place" strategy, but it is inappropriate once an official evacuation order has been issued by the operator. Closing doors is vital to contain smoke and fire, but instructing everyone to remain stationary during an active evacuation order increases the risk of injury.

Choice D Reason: Announcing in a calm voice that all visitors should proceed immediately to the first floor via the service elevators is not a good intervention, as it may endanger the visitors and cause more damage. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol, which means alarming others by activating the fire alarm system and calling 911. The charge nurse should also instruct visitors not to use elevators during a fire, as they may malfunction or trap them inside.

Choice A Reason: This action requires assessment and evaluation skills, which are beyond the scope of practice of the PN. The nurse is responsible for providing client education and ensuring that the client understands the discharge instructions.

Choice B Reason: This action requires teaching and evaluation skills, which are beyond the scope of practice of the PN. The nurse is responsible for educating the clients about their prescribed dietary changes and assessing their learning needs and readiness.

Choice C Reason: This action requires critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are beyond the scope of practice of the PN. The nurse is responsible for establishing the blood pressure parameters for client monitoring and adjusting them as needed.

Choice D Reason: This action can be safely delegated to the PN, as it involves reinforcing previous teaching done by the nurse. The PN can review the diet information with the client and answer any questions they may have.