Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for a patient with pneumonia?

A) Activity intolerance related to fatigue and shortness of breath
B) Knowledge deficit related to pneumonia risk factors
C) Pruritus related to side effects of prescribed medications
D) Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar inflammation and infection

Impaired Gas Exchange

A condition in which there is an obstruction in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood, often leading to decreased oxygenation.

Pneumonia

An inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the small air sacs known as alveoli, typically caused by infection.

Alveolar Inflammation

Refers to the inflammation of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange.