Given the most common causes of hospital fires, which of the following choices are most appropriate in preventing patient injury?

Question

a. Assure that all electrical devices are checked by engineering.
b. Assist patients who smoke to a safe area to smoke.
c. Prop fire doors open for easier patient access.
d. Educate patients on the importance of smoking cessation.

Answer 1

A
Fires in health care settings are usually electrical or anesthetic-related, so ensuring all electrical devices are inspected will greatly reduce the risk of fire. Look for inspection labels verifying recent inspection for all electrical devices. Fire door should never be propped open. While educating patients on smoking cessation is a good idea, it will have little impact on immediate hospital safety. Although smoking is no longer allowed in the hospital setting, smoking-related fires continue to pose a risk due to unauthorized smoking in bed or the bathroom.