A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assisting with the emergency response plan following an external disaster in the community. In anticipation of multiple client admissions, which of the following current clients should the nurse recommend for early discharge?

Rationale: A. Clients with stable, long-term treatment needs who are not requiring acute inpatient care are appropriate candidates for early discharge during a disaster. A sealed radiation implant (brachytherapy) indicates a controlled, localized treatment. If the client is stable and not experiencing complications, they can often continue care safely in an outpatient setting or at home with precautions. This helps free up inpatient beds for more critical disaster-related admissions. B. A client on heparin requires close monitoring for bleeding, including frequent lab values (e.g., aPTT) and assessment for hemorrhage. This therapy carries significant risk, and early discharge would be unsafe because ongoing inpatient monitoring is typically required until the client is stable and transitioned to outpatient anticoagulation therapy. C. A client who is only 1 day postoperative requires close monitoring for complications such as bleeding, neurologic changes, infection, and pain control. Early discharge at this stage is generally unsafe because post-procedure assessment and stabilization are still ongoing. D. A respiratory rate of 44/min indicates severe respiratory distress and possible decompensation. This client is unstable and requires urgent medical intervention, not discharge. They are at high risk for respiratory failure and must remain hospitalized for intensive monitoring and treatment.