A priority nursing diagnosis for a child being admitted from surgery following a tonsillectomy is: A. Body image disturbance B. Impaired verbal communication C. Risk for aspiration D. Pain

To help in identifying the correct priority nursing diagnosis, it is essential to first understand what a tonsillectomy is and what are some common concerns or risks after surgery. In a tonsillectomy, the tonsils are removed to treat severe or recurrent tonsillitis or other upper respiratory tract conditions.

We will now analyze each option to determine which is the most appropriate priority nursing diagnosis for the given scenario. A. Body image disturbance: This diagnosis might arise from the presence of surgical scars or physical changes. However, a tonsillectomy doesn't result in significant long-term visible changes, so it is not the priority diagnosis. B. Impaired verbal communication: As the patient has had their tonsils removed, temporary difficulty in verbal communication is possible. However, it is a short-term issue and not the most crucial concern when compared to other options. C. Risk for aspiration: After a tonsillectomy, the patient may experience altered swallowing abilities that can lead to the risk of aspiration (inhaling food or liquids into the lungs). Aspiration can cause severe complications such as pneumonia or respiratory distress. This might be a significant concern that needs to be addressed as a priority. D. Pain: In the postoperative period, the patient may experience pain due to the surgical procedure. Although it is essential to manage the pain, it is not considered the most urgent concern among the options mentioned.

After analyzing each option, the most appropriate priority nursing diagnosis for a child being admitted from surgery following tonsillectomy is: C. Risk for aspiration This is because aspiration can lead to severe complications, and addressing it as a priority can prevent further postoperative issues.