RN Nursing · Workplace Safety and Culture · Practice question
A nurse is teaching an in-service about the safe use of equipment to a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements made by the newly licensed nurse Indicates an understanding of the teaching?
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"It is ok to clean equipment while it is plugged into the wall."
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"I should grasp the cord when unplugging equipment."
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✓
"I should make sure oxygen cylinders are placed in an upright position."
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"When using a fire extinguisher, squeeze the handle and pull the pin."
Answer & explanation
Correct: "I should make sure oxygen cylinders are placed in an upright position."
Safe use of equipment in healthcare settings is critical for preventing injury and fire hazards. Oxygen cylinders must always be stored and used in an upright position and secured to prevent them from falling; an upright position reduces the risk of valve damage and ensures safe delivery of oxygen. This statement correctly demonstrates understanding of the teaching. Cleaning equipment while it is plugged in is a serious electrical safety hazard because it risks electrocution and electrical fires; equipment must always be unplugged before cleaning. Grasping the cord rather than the plug when unplugging equipment is incorrect and dangerous — pulling on the cord can damage the wiring and create a shock or fire hazard; the nurse should always grasp the plug itself. Regarding fire extinguisher use, the correct mnemonic is PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. The statement reverses the order by saying 'squeeze the handle and pull the pin,' which is incorrect — the pin must be pulled first before squeezing the handle. Therefore, placing oxygen cylinders in an upright position is the only statement that correctly reflects safe equipment use.
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