Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for a patient who just received local anesthesia to the back of the throat for a diagnostic procedure?

A) Feeding self-care deficit related to pain and discomfort
B) Risk for aspiration related to depressed gag reflex
C) Impaired social interaction related to slurred speech
D) Impaired oral mucus membrane related to dry mouth

Local Anesthesia

A type of anesthesia used to numb a specific area of the body without affecting consciousness.

Risk For Aspiration

A condition or situation where there’s a high likelihood of foreign materials (such as food or liquids) entering the respiratory tract.

Depressed Gag Reflex

A reduced or absent involuntary response to stimulation of the back of the throat, which can increase the risk of choking or aspiration.