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?

The correct choice is B: A client who is 1 day postoperative following a vertebroplasty. This client is the most stable among the options provided. Early discharge is appropriate because the client is 1 day postoperative, likely past the critical immediate postoperative period. Discharging this client will create space for incoming emergency admissions. Choice A should not be discharged early as managing deep-vein thrombosis with heparin requires close monitoring to prevent complications. Choice C should not be discharged early due to the need for ongoing cancer treatment. Choice D should not be discharged early as the client with COPD and a high respiratory rate of 44/min requires close monitoring and intervention to prevent respiratory distress.