The nurse admits a child with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) to the pediatric unit. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for this child?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Impaired Gas Exchange related to pulmonary congestion secondary to the increased pulmonary blood flow is the priority nursing diagnosis because VSD results in increased blood flow to the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and eventually impaired gas exchange. Hypothermia, acute pain, and ineffective tissue perfusion are potential concerns but are not as immediate or directly related to the VSD as impaired gas exchange.

The Nurse Admits a Child with a Ventricular Septal Defect