What should a nurse do first when a client exhibits signs of circulatory overload during an IV infusion?

When a client exhibits signs of circulatory overload during an IV infusion, the most immediate and appropriate action a nurse should take is to slow the IV rate. This action directly addresses the problem by reducing the volume of fluid entering the client’s system, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of circulatory overload, such as shortness of breath, hypertension, or edema.

Slowing the infusion allows for better management of the patient’s fluid status and can help prevent further complications associated with overhydration. It is critical to stabilize the patient's condition before considering other interventions, such as changing the IV solution or notifying the healthcare provider. While these steps are important, they are secondary and may take additional time, during which the client's condition could worsen if the fluid overload continues unchecked. The nurse's priority is to ensure immediate safety by controlling the fluid infusion rate in response to the client's symptoms.