The home health nurse is caring for a patient in the home who is using an electrical infusion device. While visiting the patient, the nurse smells smoke and notices an electrical fire started by this device

Question

The nurse uses the fire extinguisher and fights the fire when (Select all that apply.)
a. All occupants have left the home.
b. Fire department has been called.
c. Fire is confined to one room.
d. An exit route is available.
e. The correct extinguisher is available.
f. The nurse thinks she can use the fire extinguisher.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, D, E
In a home setting, if the nurse is present during a fire, she first should remove all occupants and then should call the fire department by dialing 911. If the fire is small—not confined to just one room (this could be too large for the fire extinguisher), if the correct extinguisher is available, and if the nurse knows (not thinks) that she can use it, the nurse may attempt to extinguish the fire. Utilize PASS (Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handles, Sweep area from side to side) to activate the extinguisher.