A 70-year-old patient has just received a drug that can cause sedation.
What would be the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

Choice A rationale

This choice is incorrect. Although knowledge about drug therapy is important, it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario. The priority nursing diagnosis should address the potential risks associated with the drug’s side effects, such as sedation, which can impair the patient’s ability to function safely.

Choice B rationale

This choice is incorrect. While effective health maintenance and medication adherence are crucial, they do not directly address the immediate risk posed by the drug’s sedative effects. The priority should be to prevent harm and ensure the patient’s safety, which involves mitigating the risk of injury related to sedation.

Choice C rationale

This choice is correct. The primary concern with sedative drugs, especially in elderly patients, is the increased risk of falls and injuries due to impaired coordination and alertness. The nursing diagnosis “Risk for injury, related to adverse effect of the drug” directly addresses this critical issue, making it the priority in this situation.

Choice D rationale

This choice is incorrect. Noncompliance due to the cost of the drug is an important consideration, but it does not address the immediate safety risk posed by sedation. The priority should be to ensure the patient’s safety by managing the side effects that could lead to injury. Cost-related concerns can be addressed after ensuring that the patient is not at immediate risk of harm. .