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:

While calling 911 is important, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first assess the victim’s condition.

Choice B rationale:

The first action when someone is choking is to ask if they can speak. If they can speak, it means air is still passing through the windpipe.

Choice C rationale:

The jaw-thrust maneuver is used to open the airway in an unconscious victim, not in a choking victim.

Choice D rationale:

Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are used when the victim cannot speak, indicating a complete airway obstruction.