When a small fire breaks out in the kitchen of a long-term care facility, what is the most important task for the practical nurse (PN) to perform?

In the event of a small fire breaking out in a long-term care facility, the most important task for the practical nurse is to ensure the safety of all residents. Identifying the method for transporting and evacuating each resident is crucial because residents may have varying levels of mobility and need different forms of assistance in an emergency. This task involves planning and knowing how to respond to the specific needs of each resident, especially those who may be bedridden, in wheelchairs, or require additional support due to cognitive impairments.

While activating the fire alarm system is essential for alerting others in the facility, understanding how to evacuate residents efficiently and safely becomes paramount in ensuring their protection. The nurse must prioritize the immediate safety of individuals over general safety measures, as time is critical during a fire situation.

Calming staff members is also important, but without a clear evacuation strategy for residents, their safety remains at risk. Assigning evacuation responsibilities could be practical but might not be the primary task of the nurse, especially considering their role in direct patient care and emergency response.