CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
During a fire drill, a nurse aide is responsible for evacuating residents from a smoke-filled hallway. Which residents should be evacuated first according to standard fire safety protocol?
- AResidents who are ambulatory and can walk independently
- BResidents who request to leave first
- CResidents who are non-ambulatory and cannot move without assistance
- DResidents closest to the fire, regardless of mobility
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Residents closest to the fire, regardless of mobility
Fire safety protocol prioritizes evacuating residents in the most immediate danger, which typically means those closest to the fire or smoke, regardless of their mobility status. Facility fire plans generally direct staff to move residents nearest the fire source first to remove them from immediate danger.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; mobility alone doesn't determine evacuation priority, proximity to danger does.
- B. Incorrect; evacuation order is based on safety needs, not resident requests.
- C. Incorrect; while these residents need help, proximity to danger is the primary factor.
Fire Evacuation Priority
During a fire, residents closest to the fire or in immediate danger are evacuated first, regardless of mobility status.
- Proximity to danger determines evacuation order
- Facility fire plans specify evacuation zones
- Staff should follow facility-specific fire evacuation policies
Memory trick: Closest to the flame, first to be saved.