A client is post op day 1 for a right knee replacement. The client has severe pain that impairs the ability to walk safely. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

A. Acute pain: Severe pain directly impacts the client’s ability to participate in rehabilitation, ambulate safely, and perform activities of daily living. Uncontrolled pain can also lead to physiologic stress responses, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, which can compromise recovery. Addressing acute pain is the priority because it influences both safety and overall healing outcomes. B. Risk for infection: While post-surgical infection is an important concern, it is a potential problem rather than an immediate issue. Infection risk requires monitoring and preventive measures but does not pose the same immediate threat to safety and functional ability as severe, uncontrolled pain. C. Surgical repair: This is a medical intervention rather than a nursing diagnosis. While important, it does not reflect the client’s current priority need from a nursing perspective, which focuses on physiological and functional safety. D. Impaired mobility: Impaired mobility is relevant in this post-op patient; however, mobility is currently limited by severe pain. Addressing pain first facilitates safe participation in mobility activities and rehabilitation, making it the more urgent concern.