Question

What should the CNA do if he or she sees a small fire in an unoccupied patient room?

Answer 1

A CNA must immediately activate the fire alarm, close the door to contain the fire, notify a nurse or supervisor, use fire safety equipment if trained and safe to do so, and evacuate the area if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) sees a small fire in an unoccupied patient room, they must take immediate action to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The following steps should be taken:

1. Immediately activate the fire alarm system to alert other staff and initiate emergency protocols.
2. Close the door to the room to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
3. Immediately inform a nurse or the supervisor on duty about the fire.
4. Attempt to extinguish the fire only if trained to do so and if it can be done safely, using the appropriate fire safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher.
5. Evacuate patients and staff from the area if the fire cannot be controlled or if there is a risk of smoke inhalation.

It is important not to ignore the fire or to leave it unattended, as it can quickly become a larger, uncontrollable blaze. Instead, the CNA should follow the facility's fire safety protocol, which may include the "RACE" response: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish/Evacuate.