A nurse is caring for a client who requires contact precautions.
Which action should the nurse take with this client?

The correct answer is D. Determine the client's ability to help with the transfer.

Choice A rationale:

While obtaining a walker might be helpful, it's not the first step. The nurse needs to assess the client's ability to assist with the transfer before deciding on the most appropriate aid.

Choice B rationale:

Calling for additional staff may be necessary, but this should come after assessing the client's ability to help with the transfer.

Choice C rationale:

Using a transfer belt is a good practice for safe transfers, but again, the nurse must first determine if the client can assist. This ensures the appropriate use of resources and techniques.

Choice D rationale:

Assessing the client's ability to help with the transfer is the first step. This assessment will guide the nurse in choosing the safest and most appropriate method for transferring the client, considering their capabilities and safety.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Using a fire extinguisher is part of containment, but it follows evacuation. Attempting to extinguish before removing clients violates RACE protocol and risks patient injury from smoke or electrical fire.

Choice B rationale: Activating the fire alarm initiates emergency response but comes after client rescue. Per RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish), client safety is prioritized before system-wide alerts.

Choice C rationale: Moving clients to safety is the first step in fire response. It aligns with the “Rescue” phase of RACE, ensuring immediate protection from smoke inhalation, electrical hazards, and fire spread.

Choice D rationale: Confine by closing doors and windows is part of containment, which follows rescue and alarm activation. It helps limit fire spread but is not the initial priority in patient-centered emergencies.