A patient fearfully runs from chair to chair crying, "They're coming! They're coming!" The patient does not follow the staff's directions or respond to verbal interventions. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?
A) Fear
B) Risk for injury
C) Self-care deficit
D) Disturbed thought processes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient experiencing panic-level anxiety is at high risk for injury related to increased non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts. Data are not present to support a nursing diagnosis of self-care deficit or disturbed thought processes. The patient may have fear, but the risk for injury has a higher priority.

A Patient Fearfully Runs from Chair to Chair Crying, "They're