A client who is postoperative is receiving IV fluids and a unit of whole blood.
The nurse should observe the client for which of the following as an early sign of circulatory overload?

Choice A rationale:

Discarding any partial doses found in the cabinet in the sharps container is not the correct procedure. Partial doses should be wasted in the presence of another nurse.

Choice B rationale:

Verifying that the amounts of each medication counted match the amounts on the inventory record is the correct procedure. This ensures accurate accounting of controlled substances.

Choice C rationale:

Setting aside any controlled substances the nurse plans to give during her shift is not the correct procedure. Medications should be removed from the secure cabinet as needed.

Choice D rationale:

Co-signing any notations of wasting controlled substances on the previous shift is not the correct procedure. Wasting should be witnessed and co-signed at the time it occurs.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the client in a modified Trendelenburg position is not the first action to take when managing a heavily bleeding wound.

Choice B rationale:

Applying direct pressure to the wound is the first action to take to control bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the extremity can help control bleeding, but it is not the first action to take.

Choice D rationale:

Applying a tourniquet is a last resort when other methods of controlling bleeding have failed.