Question

A charge nurse on a medical unit hears the fire alarm and announcement that a fire is occurring on the unit. Which of the following is the priority action by the charge nurse?

Option 1: Turn off the oxygen supply valve to the unit.

Option 2: Instruct ambulatory clients to go to a safe area.

Option 3: Verify that unit fire doors are closed.

Option 4: Direct personnel to use fire extinguishers.

Answer 1

The priority action for a charge nurse when hearing a fire alarm on a medical unit is to verify that unit fire doors are closed to ensure safety and slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a fire alarm goes off on a medical unit, the priority action by the charge nurse should be to ensure the safety of patients and staff. In this scenario, the correct action is Option 3: Verify that unit fire doors are closed. This is crucial because closed fire doors can slow the spread of smoke and fire, providing crucial time for evacuation and for firefighters to respond. Once fire doors are verified as closed, other actions can include directing ambulatory clients to a safe area and coordinating with fire safety personnel. It's important to remember that dealing with fires and emergencies requires a systematic approach to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Fire safety protocols, such as knowing the location of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and ensuring clear access to them, are essential in any health care setting.