Final answer:
The highest priority nursing diagnosis for a postoperative patient trying to take extra narcotic pain medication is likely Risk for Injury or Impaired Self-Control. The evaluation for Substance Use Disorder should also be considered, given their attempt to take medication not prescribed to them, reflecting the potential for addiction to pain medication such as oxycodone or morphine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse observed a postoperative patient attempting to take additional narcotic pain pills beyond what was prescribed. The highest priority nursing diagnosis for this patient would likely be Risk for Injury related to medication non-adherence and potential drug overdose, as well as Risk for Other-Directed Violence if the theft may harm another patient by depriving them of their medication, or Impaired Self-Control related to potential substance misuse or addiction. The priority is to ensure patient safety by assessing the risk of harm and implementing interventions to prevent overdose, addiction, and negative outcomes associated with the removal of medication from another patient. Analgesics like oxycodone and morphine can be addictive, and using them inappropriately, such as taking higher doses than prescribed, can lead to serious health risks including overdose.
It's also important to evaluate the patient for Substance Use Disorder if they are exhibiting behaviors that suggest addiction, such as taking pills not prescribed to them. Given the context, the nurse and the healthcare team should conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's pain management needs, understanding the potential for addiction to narcotics and seeking to prevent any risks associated with overuse and misuse of prescription pain medicines.