The nurse is initiating the care plan for a patient with peripheral arterial disease, who complains of pain in the lower extremities at a 3/10, has a 0.5 cm ? 1 cm ulcer on the left lower leg, and the lower legs are shiny and hairless bilaterally
What is the priority nursing diagnosis? a. Injury related to loss of peripheral circula-tion
b. Acute pain related to ischemia to lower extremities
c. Impaired skin integrity related to ulcer on lower extremity
d. Deficient knowledge related to manage-ment of medical condition
C
Impaired skin integrity is the priority diagnosis in this situation. Acute pain is a nursing diagnosis, but the pain is 3/10 so it is not the priority since there is an open wound. Injury and deficient knowledge could be problems, but there is not enough information to support these diagnoses.
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