When caring for a client, the nurse knows the best method to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is to do what?

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.

Choice A rationale:

An oral temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) is within the normal range for body temperature, which typically ranges from 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C) While it's essential to monitor temperatures, this value does not require immediate attention.

Choice B rationale:

A respiratory rate of 30/min is a concerning finding. The normal respiratory rate for adults at rest is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 30/min suggests tachypnea (rapid breathing), which can be a sign of various underlying medical issues, including respiratory distress or metabolic acidosis. This requires immediate attention and further assessment.

Choice C rationale:

A radial pulse of 45 beats in 30 seconds can be translated to a pulse rate of 90 beats per minute, which falls within the normal range for adults (60 to 100 beats per minute) While it's important to monitor pulse rates, this value does not require immediate attention.

Choice D rationale:

A blood pressure of 114/74 mmHg is within the normal range for blood pressure in adults. Normal blood pressure typically ranges around 120/80 mmHg, but variations within a few points are considered normal. This blood pressure reading does not require immediate attention.