What must be protected throughout smoke compartments according to regulations?

The correct choice indicates that automatic sprinklers must be protected throughout smoke compartments according to regulations. In healthcare facilities, especially nursing homes, fire safety is critical for the protection of residents and staff. Automatic sprinklers play a vital role in controlling and extinguishing fires, thereby preventing the spread of smoke and flames.

Regulations require these systems to remain functional within each smoke compartment to ensure that any fire that breaks out is rapidly managed. This involves not only the installation of sprinklers but also ensuring that they are adequately protected from potential damage, whether from physical impacts, maintenance activities, or other hazards that could hinder their operation in an emergency.

Automatic sprinklers are part of the comprehensive fire protection system designed to protect lives and property. Without proper protection of these systems across smoke compartments, the overall safety of the facility could be compromised, leading to increased risks during a fire event.