Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What action must be taken upon discovering an unwanted fire in a nursing home?

1. Notify the local fire department immediately

2. Attempt to extinguish the fire

3. Evacuate all residents and staff

4. Inform the media of the incident

The correct answer is: Notify the local fire department immediately

In the event of an unwanted fire in a nursing home, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the residents and staff. Notifying the local fire department immediately is critical as they have the training, equipment, and personnel required to handle fire emergencies effectively. Their prompt arrival can significantly minimize damage and prevent the situation from escalating. While attempting to extinguish the fire may seem like a viable option, it could be dangerous, especially if the fire is beyond what a person can safely handle. Evacuating all residents and staff might also be necessary but would ideally occur after the fire department has been alerted. It is essential to maintain communication with emergency services to ensure a coordinated response. Informing the media would not be an immediate concern as the primary focus should be on safety and containment of the situation. Thus, alerting the fire department is the most critical first step in responding to an unwanted fire.