Exam Guide

Frayed Electrical Cord on Equipment: First Action

Safety & Infection Control · Question from the ATI PN Fundamentals 2023 Proctored Exam study set

Question: A nurse discovers a frayed electrical cord on a piece of medical equipment. Which action should the nurse take first?
Remove the device from the room

Correct answer: Remove the device from the room

Why this is the answer

Removing the damaged device eliminates an immediate electrical/fire hazard and protects client and staff safety; it should then be tagged and reported to biomedical/engineering for repair.

The bigger concept

Electrical-safety items follow the same priority as every safety question: remove the hazard from the client first, then report. A frayed cord is a shock and fire risk to the client, visitors, and staff. After removing the device, tag it 'do not use,' notify biomedical engineering, and complete any facility report. Related safety rules to remember: no extension cords in client rooms, three-prong grounded plugs only, and unplug by the plug, not the cord.

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