A nurse is caring for a client who was administered more than the prescribed dose of a medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Notify the primary care provider: Notifying the provider is important, but first, the nurse should assess the client’s condition by obtaining vital signs. This helps determine if immediate intervention is needed, like administering antidotes or treatments. B. Obtain the client's vital signs: The first step is assessing the client’s physical status by checking vital signs. This helps identify signs of toxicity or immediate adverse effects from the overdose, guiding further actions. C. Educate the client about potential adverse effects: Education is important, but it’s not the first priority in the case of an overdose. The nurse should first focus on assessing and stabilizing the client before providing information on potential adverse effects. D. Complete an incident report: While an incident report is necessary, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse must first ensure the client’s safety and health by assessing and managing the overdose.