Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the minimum requirement for smoke compartments on every sleeping room floor for facilities with more than 30 patients?

1. One smoke compartment

2. Two smoke compartments

3. Three smoke compartments

4. No smoke compartments required

The correct answer is: Two smoke compartments

The requirement for smoke compartments on every sleeping room floor for facilities with more than 30 patients is two smoke compartments. This design choice is crucial for enhancing the safety of residents by effectively containing smoke and fire, thus providing better protection in the event of a fire emergency. Smoke compartments help to slow the spread of smoke and provide time for residents to evacuate or be evacuated. In larger facilities, having two smoke compartments allows for a more efficient response to fire incidents, as it divides the area into manageable sections that can be monitored and controlled during an emergency. Option A suggests only one compartment, which does not meet the necessary standards for a facility with more than 30 patients, as it would likely not provide adequate protection or evacuation routes. Options C and D also do not align with safety protocols. Three compartments may exceed the requirements and complicate the layout without added benefit, while having no compartments disregards essential safety regulations that are in place to protect vulnerable populations. This approach to fire safety is crucial in providing a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors in nursing facilities.