A nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering in the PACU immediately after general anesthesia for an open abdominal surgery. When planning care for this patient, which diagnosis will the nurse determine as the priority for this patient?

Explanation

•Impaired swallowing is the priority diagnosis for this patient because the patient will be at risk for aspiration due to the effects of general anesthesia.

Incorrect answer choices:

•Acute pain, risk for infection and impaired ability to transfer after surgery are appropriate nursing diagnoses for the patient; however, these are not the priority diagnoses for the patient.

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