If a client is nonambulatory and notices their trash can is on fire, what is a key response for the nurse?

When a nonambulatory client is faced with a fire hazard, the priority for the nurse is to ensure the safety of the client. Evacuating the client to a safer location is essential in this scenario because fire and smoke pose immediate risks to health and safety. Nonambulatory individuals may have limited mobility, making it crucial for the nurse to take prompt action to relocate them to an area away from danger.

The act of moving the client to safety not only protects them from potential harm caused by the fire but also reduces the risk of smoke inhalation, which can be detrimental to health. Time is of the essence in emergency situations involving fire; therefore, actively facilitating a safe evacuation is a critical nursing response. This proactive approach ensures the client remains safe until further assistance, such as the fire department, can arrive.