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 best action because it prevents the spread of infection to other clients and staff. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands and can be transmitted by respiratory droplets. The nurse should place an isolation cart outside of the room and wear a mask, gloves, and gown when entering.
Choice B Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the risk of infection. The nurse should schedule bedside play time with the occupational therapist to promote the child's development and coping, but this can be done later.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not ensure that infection control measures are in place. The nurse should instruct the child's parents about the need for transmission precautions and educate them on how to care for their child at home, but this can be done later.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not prevent the spread of infection. The nurse should assign the child to a room close to the nurse's station to monitor his condition and provide comfort, but this is not a critical intervention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: A subtotal thyroidectomy is a major surgery that involves the removal of part of the thyroid gland. The client may have complications such as bleeding, infection, hypocalcemia, or vocal cord damage. The client also needs close monitoring of vital signs, blood transfusion, and airway patency. This client is not stable enough to be transferred to a general unit.
Choice B Reason: A combined partial and full-thickness burn is a serious injury that involves damage to the epidermis, dermis, and underlying tissues. The client may have complications such as infection, fluid loss, hypovolemia, shock, or respiratory distress. The client also needs wound care, pain management, fluid replacement, and oxygen therapy. This client is not stable enough to be transferred to a general unit.
Choice C Reason: A renal transplant is a major surgery that involves the replacement of a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor. The client may have complications such as rejection, infection, bleeding, thrombosis, or urinary obstruction. The client also needs immunosuppressive therapy, anti-infective therapy, fluid and electrolyte balance, and pain management. This client is not stable enough to be transferred to a general unit.
Choice D Reason: Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to low serum protein levels and edema. The client may have complications such as infection, thromboembolism, or malnutrition. The client needs diuretic therapy, protein replacement, dietary modification, and infection prevention. This client is relatively stable and can be transferred to a general unit.

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