The nurse observes a fire in a trash can. What is the correct order of steps to take?

The correct approach to this situation involves prioritizing the safety of individuals before addressing the fire itself. In the order provided, the first step is to remove the client from immediate danger, ensuring their safety is the primary concern, particularly in a healthcare setting where patients may have limited mobility or awareness of the situation.

Following the removal of the client, activating the alarm ensures that the fire is reported promptly to the appropriate response team, allowing for a coordinated effort to handle the emergency. Closing the door helps to contain the fire, reducing the risk of it spreading to other areas, thus providing a safer environment for both the client and other individuals present.

Once these steps are taken, obtaining the extinguisher can then be addressed if it's safe to do so, allowing the nurse to attempt to extinguish the fire. This sequence underscores the importance of patient safety, communication, and proper response to the threat before engaging with the fire itself.

By adhering to this order, the situation effectively mitigates risk to life while addressing the fire hazard, aligning with established safety protocols in emergency response.