Question

A client who is non-ambulatory notifies the nurse that his trashcan is on fire. After the nurse confirms the presence of the fire, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

A. Evacuate the client from the room
B. Attempt to extinguish the fire
C. Call the client's family
D. Document the incident in the chart

Answer 1

In case of a fire in a non-ambulatory client's room, the nurse should ensure their safety first, evacuate the client, call emergency services, and document the incident.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client who is non-ambulatory notifies the nurse that his trashcan is on fire, the nurse should first ensure their own safety. This may involve activating the fire alarm and using appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, if available and if it is safe to do so. Evacuating the client from the room should be the next step, making sure to follow established evacuation protocols and keeping the client calm and as comfortable as possible. After the client is safely evacuated, the nurse should then call emergency services to report the fire and seek assistance as needed. Finally, documenting the incident in the chart is important for accurate record-keeping and for sharing information with other caregivers.