The nurse is extinguishing a fire that has broken out in the workplace.
Which is the first step the nurse should take?

Choice A rationale:

Drinking something cold can lower the oral temperature temporarily. When a person consumes something cold, the blood vessels in the mouth can constrict, leading to a lower temperature reading. However, it's important to note that this effect is temporary.

Choice B rationale:

Exercising can increase blood circulation and raise body temperature. However, immediately after intense physical activity, the body might start sweating, leading to a temporary drop in temperature. Prolonged or moderate exercise, on the other hand, generally increases body temperature.

Choice C rationale:

An outdoor temperature of 99°F does not directly affect body temperature. Body temperature is regulated internally and does not fluctuate based on external temperatures unless the person is exposed to extreme conditions for a prolonged period.

Choice D rationale:

A cold climate might lower skin temperature, but it does not necessarily reduce the body's core temperature significantly. The body has mechanisms to conserve heat in colder environments.

Choice E rationale:

Physical inactivity can lower body temperature, especially in situations where the person is sedentary for an extended period. Reduced physical activity can slow down metabolic processes, leading to a lower body temperature.

The correct answer is choice C: Move any clients to safety.

Choice C rationale: The nurse's priority is always client safety. In the event of an electrical issue that poses a potential risk, such as smoke or fire, the nurse should first ensure that any clients in the area are moved to a safe location. This aligns with the widely-used RACE acronym for fire response (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish), which highlights the importance of removing individuals from danger before attending to other aspects of fire safety.

Choice A rationale: Using a fire extinguisher is an appropriate action to take when dealing with a small, manageable fire. However, in this scenario, ensuring client safety takes precedence over attempting to extinguish the source of the smoke. This is also in line with the RACE mnemonic, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evacuation.

Choice B rationale: Activating the fire alarm is an important step to alert others in the building about a potential fire and the need for evacuation. However, the priority remains client safety, so moving clients to a safe location should be the nurse's initial response, following the RACE acronym.

In summary, the nurse's priority action when encountering an electrical hazard is to move clients to safety. After ensuring client safety, the nurse can then activate the fire alarm and, if trained to do so, use a fire extinguisher on the outlet if necessary. This approach aligns with the RACE mnemonic, which serves as a guideline for fire response.