The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has a history of COPD. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ineffective airway clearance is the priority diagnosis for the COPD patient undergoing surgery because the patient is at high risk for bronchoconstriction, increased mucus, and ineffective cough, which may easily become worse after the patient has received general anesthesia. The other nursing diagnoses are applicable to the patient but are not as high priority.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Postoperative Patient Who Has