Operating a fire extinguisher

NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-PN
Safety and Infection Control
Ordered response
Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

A nurse has determined that a small fire can safely be extinguished with an available extinguisher. Put the extinguisher actions in order.

Correct order

Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle at the base
Squeeze the handle
Sweep the stream across the base

Answer

1. Pull the pin → 2. Aim the nozzle at the base → 3. Squeeze the handle → 4. Sweep the stream across the base

Rationale

The extinguisher must be prepared before its contents can be directed at the fire. The stream is then applied across the base of the flames.

RememberPull, aim at the base, squeeze, then sweep.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Adapted from Open RN Nursing Assistant: Chapter 3: Maintain a Safe Health Care Environment Open RN (Chippewa Valley Technical College) · License: CC BY 4.0 · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · EMERGENCY SITUATIONS › Fire · 2022

Last verified: November 3, 2026 2 independent automated checks Question rn-sic-00507, version 1

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