The nurse is providing care to a client who returns to the medical-surgical unit after herniated disc surgery. The client's vitals are as follows: HR 100, RR 22, BP 130/86 mmHg, T 98.8°F, and pain rating of 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for this client based on these assessment data?
A)Impaired Physical Mobility
B)Acute Pain
C)Activity Intolerance
D)Chronic Pain

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)The client is currently experiencing acute pain as evidenced by elevated vital signs and a pain rating of 7 on a 0-to-10 scale. Thus, the priority nursing diagnosis is Acute Pain. Impaired Physical Mobility and Activity Intolerance are appropriate diagnoses in light of the client's surgical procedure, but they are not the highest priority. The client was likely experiencing chronic pain prior to the surgery, and it probably contributed to the need for the procedure.
B)The client is currently experiencing acute pain as evidenced by elevated vital signs and a pain rating of 7 on a 0-to-10 scale. Thus, the priority nursing diagnosis is Acute Pain. Impaired Physical Mobility and Activity Intolerance are appropriate diagnoses in light of the client's surgical procedure, but they are not the highest priority. The client was likely experiencing chronic pain prior to the surgery, and it probably contributed to the need for the procedure.
C)The client is currently experiencing acute pain as evidenced by elevated vital signs and a pain rating of 7 on a 0-to-10 scale. Thus, the priority nursing diagnosis is Acute Pain. Impaired Physical Mobility and Activity Intolerance are appropriate diagnoses in light of the client's surgical procedure, but they are not the highest priority. The client was likely experiencing chronic pain prior to the surgery, and it probably contributed to the need for the procedure.
D)The client is currently experiencing acute pain as evidenced by elevated vital signs and a pain rating of 7 on a 0-to-10 scale. Thus, the priority nursing diagnosis is Acute Pain. Impaired Physical Mobility and Activity Intolerance are appropriate diagnoses in light of the client's surgical procedure, but they are not the highest priority. The client was likely experiencing chronic pain prior to the surgery, and it probably contributed to the need for the procedure.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to a Client Who Returns