If a nurse aide notices a potential electrical hazard, what is the first response?

The most appropriate first response when a nurse aide notices a potential electrical hazard is to unplug the device if it is safe to do so. This action helps to immediately eliminate the risk of electric shock or fire that can occur due to faulty equipment. Ensuring safety is paramount in a healthcare setting, and if a device is malfunctioning, disconnecting it can prevent further danger.

While it’s important to report the hazard to a supervisor afterward to ensure that proper measures are taken to fix the issue and prevent recurrence, the priority in an emergency situation where there is a potential electrical threat is to address the immediate danger first. Attempting to fix the issue immediately without being trained to do so could lead to further risks, and continuing to use the device would further expose residents and staff to potential harm. Therefore, safely unplugging the device is the best first course of action.