A patient is diagnosed with a compound fracture and is scheduled for immediate surgery. Which nursing diagnosis would have the highest priority in the immediate postoperative period?
1. Impaired Transfer Ability
2. Risk for Post-Trauma Syndrome
3. Risk for Infection
4. Risk for Falls
3
Rationale 1: The patient may have difficulty with transfers, but this is not the greatest priority.
Rationale 2: Depending on the reason for the injury and the patient's response, post-trauma syndrome may be applicable. This is not the greatest priority.
Rationale 3: The patient with an open, compound fracture has multiple bone breaks penetrating through the skin and must be assessed and cared for vigilantly for signs of infection.
Rationale 4: The patient is at risk for a fall due to fracture, but this is not the highest priority.
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