An 86-year-old resident in an extended care facility will not leave her room until her hair is combed, her lipstick is on, and she is well groomed.

The resident is sociable and completely independent, but it is lunchtime before she is ready to leave her room.
Which plan should a nurse make regarding breakfast for this client?

This question evaluates the client’s understanding of the most important infection control measure for hepatitis A, which is hand hygiene. Hepatitis A is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person’s feces.

Washing hands after using the toilet can prevent the spread of the virus to others and to oneself.

Choice A is wrong because eating raw shellfish is not a risk factor for hepatitis A unless the shellfish is contaminated with the virus from polluted water.

Choice B is wrong because cooking pork products does not affect hepatitis A transmission, as the virus is not found in pork or other meats.

Choice C is wrong because traveling out of the country is not a risk factor for hepatitis A unless the destination has poor sanitation and hygiene conditions.

This is the priority action because it follows the RACE acronym for fire safety: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish. The nurse should first rescue the client from immediate danger by smothering the flames with a blanket.

This will also help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

Choice A is wrong because closing the window and removing the client’s oxygen will not put out the fire.

Oxygen is not flammable, but it can make a fire burn faster and hotter. Removing the oxygen source may help reduce the intensity of the fire, but it will not extinguish it.

Choice B is wrong because sounding the fire alarm and activating the emergency response system are important steps, but they are not the priority. The nurse should first ensure the client’s safety before alerting others and calling for help.

Choice D is wrong because removing the client from the room and closing the door may expose the client to more harm and make the fire worse.

The nurse should not move the client unless it is absolutely necessary, as this may cause further injury or infection. Closing the door may create a backdraft, which is a sudden explosion of fire caused by oxygen rushing into an enclosed space.