Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

During a fire emergency in a nursing home, what is the CNA's primary responsibility?

1. Calling the fire department

2. Evacuating residents to a safe area

3. Attempting to extinguish the fire

4. Notify other staff members

The correct answer is: Evacuating residents to a safe area

The primary responsibility of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) during a fire emergency is to evacuate residents to a safe area. This role is vital because residents, particularly those who are elderly or have mobility issues, may be unable to evacuate on their own. The CNA is well-positioned to assist with the safe and timely evacuation of residents to protect their safety and well-being. In a fire situation, the urgency of getting residents away from the immediate danger takes precedence over other activities, such as calling the fire department, which is a task that would typically fall to the nursing staff or other designated personnel. While notifying other staff members is important for overall emergency management, it is not the CNA's primary responsibility when lives are at immediate risk. Attempting to extinguish the fire could put the CNA in danger and may delay the evacuation, as safety should always be the first priority. Therefore, the focus on evacuating residents is crucial in such emergencies.