Missouri State Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

In which direction must exit doors swing?

1. Inward

2. Outward

3. Left

4. Right

The correct answer is: Outward

Exit doors in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities must swing outward. This is crucial for safety reasons, particularly in emergency situations where quick exit is needed. When exit doors open outward, they allow for a faster evacuation of residents, staff, and visitors without the risk of obstruction that can occur when doors swing inward. Moreover, outward-swinging doors facilitate more efficient movement of individuals, especially in crowded scenarios where people may be trying to exit simultaneously. Compliance with safety fire codes and regulations typically mandates that exit doors be designed this way to enhance safety protocols during emergencies. The choice of direction (left or right) for door-swinging is less critical than ensuring that the doors swing outward, as both left and right openings could be compliant depending on the layout of the building, but they do not address the fundamental necessity for allowing safe and quick egress.