247SimpleTests
NCLEX · Emergency Response

What is the proper response if a fire is discovered in a healthcare facility?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Use the RACE acronym: Rescue clients in danger, Alarm/activate the fire alert, Contain the fire by closing doors, Extinguish or Evacuate as appropriate

  1. A Use the RACE acronym: Rescue clients in danger, Alarm/activate the fire alert, Contain the fire by closing doors, Extinguish or Evacuate as appropriate
  2. B Call administration first
  3. C Run to the exit
  4. D Open windows for ventilation

Why this is the answer

The RACE acronym is the standard fire response in healthcare facilities: R — Rescue any client in immediate danger; A — Activate the fire alarm (pull station) or call the emergency code; C — Contain the fire by closing doors and windows to limit oxygen and smoke spread; E — Extinguish the fire if small and contained, or Evacuate per facility policy if the fire is large or spreading. The PASS acronym applies to fire extinguisher use: Pull the pin; Aim at the base of the fire; Squeeze the handle; Sweep side to side. Healthcare evacuation is complex because many clients cannot ambulate independently — facilities have horizontal evacuation plans (move clients to a different fire zone through smoke doors) before vertical evacuation (down stairs) is attempted. Knowing the fire response is required of all healthcare staff and tested at hire and during periodic drills.
Source: NCLEX-RN Test Plan, Emergency Response — Fire

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Emergency Response and other topics.

Take the RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment practice test →

About this topic: Emergency Response

Emergency response questions cover triage, disaster planning, code situations, rapid response criteria and the nurse's role during a fire, evacuation or mass-casualty event. This is one of 6 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on emergency response, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Emergency Response

A nurse finds an unresponsive client without a pulse. What is the first action?

 Emergency Response

A client is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. What is the priority intervention?

 Emergency Response

What is the first action a nurse should take when responding to a disaster or mass casualty event?

 Emergency Response

A client develops a sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypotension after a central line placement. The nurse suspects a pneumothorax. What is the PRIORITY action?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN 9th Ed. (Elsevier)

The gold standard for NCLEX-RN prep: 5,200+ practice questions, content review, test-taking strategy.

Check Price → Study guide

NCLEX-PN Prep Plus (Kaplan)

Targeted NCLEX-PN content review with hundreds of practice questions and video explanations.

Check Price → Study guide

Prioritization, Delegation & Assignment (Elsevier)

The leading resource for NCLEX questions on prioritization, delegation, and management of care.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →