For a patient with Bell's palsy, which nursing diagnosis should be prioritized?

In the case of a patient with Bell's palsy, prioritizing the nursing diagnosis related to disturbed sensory perception is appropriate. Bell's palsy is characterized by the sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This often leads to sensory perception alterations, such as changes in the patient's ability to taste, difficulty closing the eye on the affected side, and changes in facial sensation.

Focusing on the risk for disturbed sensory perception allows for early intervention to address the patient's immediate needs. These may include monitoring for facial drooping, managing oral hygiene challenges due to inability to close the mouth properly, and educating the patient about ways to protect their eye, such as using eye drops or wearing an eye patch to prevent corneal abrasion.

Other diagnoses, while important, may not take precedence over the immediate concerns surrounding sensory perception changes. The risk for infection could be a consideration later, particularly if facial drooping interferes with hygiene practices. Likewise, assessing the body image risks becomes relevant as the patient adapts to changes in their appearance due to the condition. Ineffective tissue perfusion is less directly connected to the symptoms of Bell's palsy, focusing more on conditions that