A client with fluid volume overload is admitted to the hospital for diuresis. Which assessment should the nurse perform to evaluate the client's fluid balance?

A. Use at least 2 client identifiers before administering a dose – This is a critical step in preventing medication errors, but it would not have prevented the error in this scenario. The issue was with the dosage of the medication, not the identification of the client.
B. Document all medication as soon as it is given – While documentation is important for patient safety, it does not directly address the error of giving the wrong dose. Proper calculation and verification of the dose before administration are more effective in preventing this type of error.
C. Question unusually large or small doses – This is a key technique for preventing medication errors. The nurse should have questioned the unusually large dose of potassium, which was not calculated based on the client's weight and the prescribed amount. This would have alerted the nurse to the error before administering the medication.
D. Double check the dosage of high-risk medications with another nurse – Potassium is considered a high-risk medication, and double-checking the dosage with another nurse would have been an effective safety measure. This technique helps to catch errors in dosage calculations, especially with medications that have narrow therapeutic windows like potassium.
E. Involve and educate clients in medication administration – While involving and educating clients is important for overall safety and understanding, it is not a technique that would have helped prevent this particular medication error. The error was related to the nurse’s calculation and administration of the dose, not the client's involvement.

A. Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle may be helpful for some clients with OSA, but the most crucial intervention for a client with OSA is ensuring the proper use of the positive airway pressure (PAP) device.

B. Remove dentures or other oral appliance is not a priority for clients with OSA unless specifically contraindicated by the healthcare provider. The main concern is ensuring the PAP device is in place to prevent airway obstruction.

C. Lift and lock the side rails in place is a general safety measure, but it is not as critical as ensuring the client has their PAP device applied.

D. Apply the client's positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention. The PAP device (e.g., CPAP or BiPAP) helps keep the airway open during sleep, preventing apneas and improving oxygenation. Ensuring the client has this device in place is the most essential action before leaving the client alone.