Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

If you discover fire in a client's room, what is the first action you should take?

1. Call the fire department

2. Activate the fire alarm

3. Remove the client

4. Extinguish the fire if possible

The correct answer is: Remove the client

In the event of a fire, the immediate priority is the safety of the client. Removing the client from the vicinity of the fire is crucial because it directly addresses their safety and prevents potential harm. Once the client is safely out of danger, other actions such as activating the fire alarm or calling the fire department can be pursued. The rationale behind this approach is rooted in the fire safety protocol known as R.A.C.E., which stands for Remove, Activate, Contain, and Extinguish. According to this protocol, removing individuals from danger takes precedence over other actions. While activating the fire alarm and calling for assistance are vital steps in dealing with a fire emergency, these can be undertaken after ensuring that the client is safe. Extinguishing the fire, if possible, is also secondary to prioritizing human safety. Therefore, the instinct to ensure the client’s immediate safety is the correct approach in this scenario.