The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient in the postanesthesia care unit immediately following a thoracotomy and insertion of a water-sealed drainage system is:
A) Pain related to surgical incision
B) Disturbed thought processes related to postoperative sedation
C) Impaired gas exchange related to lung impairment and surgery
D) Nutrition, less than body requirements related to dyspnea
Ans: C
Feedback: In the immediate postoperative period, the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient is impaired gas exchange related to lung impairment and surgery. The patient is likely experiencing the effects of anesthesia, so pain and nutrition are not priorities at this time.
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