Final answer:
The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with pneumonia with a low oxygen saturation and needing assistance to get out of bed is 'impaired gas exchange related to respiratory congestion'. This is because pneumonia leads to fluid-filled alveoli, which impedes oxygen transfer in the lungs. (Option D).
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with pneumonia who is presenting with a fever of 101.2° F (38.5° C), a nonproductive cough, and an oxygen saturation of 89%, and needs assistance to get out of bed is d. impaired gas exchange related to respiratory congestion. The oxygen saturation level, which is below the normal range of 95%-100%, indicates that the patient is experiencing difficulty with gas exchange in the alveoli due to the inflammation and fluid present in the lungs. In pneumonia, the alveoli fill with fluid, hindering proper oxygen exchange with the capillaries surrounding them, often resulting in hypoxemia, as noted in the PA's findings of a lower-than-normal blood oxygen level.
Treating the impaired gas exchange will address the most critical aspect of the patient's condition, as it is the underlying cause of the patient's respiratory distress and need for assistance. Other diagnoses such as hyperthermia, ineffective airway clearance, and impaired transfer ability are also important but secondary to ensuring that the patient has adequate oxygen levels. . (Option D).