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NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A nurse discovers a fire in a client's room. Using the RACE protocol, what is the FIRST action?

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Correct answer

Rescue/remove the client from immediate danger

  1. A Open the windows
  2. B Extinguish the fire
  3. C Rescue/remove the client from immediate danger
  4. D Call the fire department

Why this is the answer

The RACE fire protocol prioritizes actions in order: R — RESCUE (remove anyone in immediate danger FIRST); A — ALARM (activate the fire alarm/call for help); C — CONTAIN (close doors and windows to contain the fire/smoke); E — EXTINGUISH (use a fire extinguisher if safe) or EVACUATE. NCLEX safe care/emergency safety. The FIRST priority is always RESCUING the client from immediate danger. For using a fire extinguisher, remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. RACE establishes that protecting/removing people comes before fighting the fire. The RACE sequence (rescue first) is a commonly tested NCLEX safety priority.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Fire Safety (RACE)

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About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, isolation set-up, sterile technique, error prevention, restraints, and emergency and disaster response. This is one of 24 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on safety and infection control, 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.

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