Question

The electric shaver that the nurse aide is using to shave a client begins to spark and smoke. What should the nurse aide do FIRST?

-Call the nurse in charge.
-Finish shaving the client as quickly as possible
-Unplug the shaver
-Use the roommate's shaver to finish the shave

Answer 1

The nurse aide should first unplug the shaver to ensure safety from electrical hazards, then report the incident to the nurse in charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an electric shaver used by a nurse aide begins to spark and smoke, the first action should be to unplug the shaver. This is to prevent any possible electrical hazards or injuries to both the client and the nurse aide. After ensuring everyone's safety by removing the power source, the nurse aide should then inform the nurse in charge about the incident.

Using another person's shaver, especially in a health care setting, is not recommended due to hygiene and cross-contamination concerns. In this situation, the sparking and smoking indicate a potential electrical hazard. Continuing to use the shaver or using the roommate's shaver could result in injury or further damage.

By unplugging the shaver, the nurse aide eliminates the source of the sparking and smoking. This ensures the safety of both the client and themselves.