The fire alarm goes off while the charge nurse is receiving the shift report. Which action should the charge nurse implement first?
Call the hospital operator to determine if this is indeed a real emergency or a fire drill.
Instruct the clients' family members to stay in the visitor waiting area until further notice.
Direct the nursing staff to evacuate the clients using the stairs in a calm and orderly manner.
Tell the staff to keep all clients and visitors in the client rooms with the doors closed.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This action is not a priority, as it may delay the response to a potential fire. The charge nurse should assume that the fire alarm is real and act accordingly.
Choice B Reason: This action may expose the clients' family members to smoke or fire, as the visitor waiting area may not be safe. The charge nurse should ensure that everyone is in a protected area.
Choice C Reason: This action may be dangerous, as the stairs may be filled with smoke or fire. The charge nurse should follow the hospital's fire safety protocol, which usually involves closing doors, windows, and vents to prevent the spread of fire.
Choice D Reason: This action is the most appropriate, as it follows the RACE acronym for fire safety: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm by activating the fire alarm system, Contain by closing doors and windows, and Extinguish or evacuate as directed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the acuity level of the clients reflects their complexity and intensity of care needs. The higher the acuity level, the more time and resources are required to provide safe and quality care. The charge nurse should consider the acuity level of the clients when determining the appropriate nurse-to-client ratio and staffing needs.
Choice B Reason: The physicians' plans to perform procedures on the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not directly affect the nursing workload or staffing requirements. The charge nurse should coordinate with the physicians and other departments to ensure that the procedures are scheduled and performed safely and efficiently.
Choice C Reason: The number of clients leaving the unit for diagnostic tests is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not indicate the level of care that the clients need or receive. The charge nurse should ensure that the clients are prepared and accompanied for their tests and that their care is continued and monitored on their return.
Choice D Reason: The skill level of the personnel staffing the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not reflect the actual demand or supply of nursing care. The charge nurse should assign and delegate tasks according to the personnel's skill level and scope of practice but also consider other factors such as client acuity, availability, and preference.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: The ability to update the equipment each year may be desirable, but not the most important question to consider. Updating the equipment may incur additional costs and may not be necessary or feasible depending on the type and function of the equipment.
Choice B Reason: The number of departments that can use the equipment is the most important question to
consider, as it reflects the potential impact and benefit of the equipment for the organization. The more departments that can use the equipment, the more efficient and cost-effective it will be.
Choice C Reason: The cost of equipment is an important question to consider, but not the most important one. The cost of equipment should be compared with the expected benefits and outcomes of using the equipment, not just in terms of monetary value, but also in terms of quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Choice D Reason: The need for annual repair is an important question to consider, but not the most important one. The need for annual repair may indicate the reliability and durability of the equipment, but it may also depend on the frequency and intensity of use, and the availability and accessibility of maintenance services.
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