After a client has had a surgical resection for a head and neck cancer, which is the priority nursing diagnosis?
1. Risk for Impaired Gas Exchange related to new tracheotomy
2. Knowledge Deficit related to necessary home care
3. Risk for Injury related to CSF leak
4. Anxiety related to changes in health status
Risk for Impaired Gas Exchange related to new tracheotomy
Rationale: Nursing diagnoses currently applicable to the client's hospitalization take priority over those after discharge. Impaired Gas Exchange takes priority because it relates to a basic physical need for a patent airway and ability to circulate oxygen to the peripheral and central circulation. Risk for Injury is important but is secondary to airway. Anxiety is important, but is psychosocial in nature and is therefore secondary to all physical nursing diagnoses.
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