Final answer:
The nurse should activate the fire alarm first to alert everyone, then follow the R.A.C.E. procedure—Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate. Knowledge of the location and operation of safety equipment is essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse identifies the presence of a fire in the dirty utility room, the first action should be to ensure personal safety and then follow the facility's emergency procedures. If the fire is small and can be quickly extinguished without danger, the nurse may use a fire extinguisher to do so, after activating the fire alarm if it is not yet sounding. However, in any case where there is doubt or the fire is beyond a size that can be safely handled by the nurse, the first step is to activate the fire alarm to alert everyone in the building and start the evacuation process per the facility's fire safety protocol.
After ensuring the alarm is activated, the nurse should then follow the R.A.C.E. procedure—Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish/Evacuate. Rescue any individuals in immediate danger if it can be done safely, Alarm by activating the fire alarm system, Contain the fire by closing doors and windows to prevent the spread of smoke and fire, and finally Extinguish the fire if possible or Evacuate the area.
Nurses should also be acquainted with the location and operation of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Knowledge of emergency protocols, including evacuation routes and assembly points, is critical in ensuring both personal and patient safety. In all cases, the nurse must prioritize life safety over property or environment.