In the event of a fire in a three-floor community hospital, what is the charge nurse's immediate action?

The most appropriate immediate action for the charge nurse in the event of a fire is to ensure the safety of the patients by containing the fire as much as possible. By shutting all doors to client rooms, the charge nurse can help to prevent the spread of smoke and flames, which is crucial in protecting patients who may be unable to evacuate on their own. Informing everyone to stay in their rooms helps to reduce panic and keeps patients in a more secure location until the situation is assessed and further instructions can be given.

The priority in a fire emergency is typically to save lives and minimize danger. While activating the fire alarm system is an important step in notifying all personnel and initiating the required response to a fire, the charge nurse's immediate response must focus on patient safety first. This could include strategies to control the environment around the patients. Communication with staff about the situation, and directions to evacuate can follow once the immediate safety protocol is established.

This strategy of containing the fire by closing doors is often part of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in healthcare settings, emphasizing patient safety over immediate evacuation, especially for those with limited mobility.