The nurse is initiating the care plan for a patient with peripheral arterial disease,who complains of pain in the lower extremities at a 3/10,has a 0.5 cm ´ 1 cm ulcer on the left lower leg,and the lower legs are shiny and hairless bilaterally.What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Impaired skin integrity is the priority diagnosis in this situation.Acute pain is a nursing diagnosis,but the pain is 3/10 so it is not the priority since there is an open wound.Injury and deficient knowledge could be problems,but there is not enough information to support these diagnoses.

The Nurse Is Initiating the Care Plan for a Patient