Question

A nurse is planning the care of a client with severe diarrhea. The nurse knows that which diagnosis result should assume the highest priority? *

Answer 1

The primary nursing diagnosis for a client with severe diarrhea should be risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance due to potential dehydration. Early interventions to restore fluid and electrolyte balance are critical to prevent serious complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When planning care for a client with severe diarrhea, the diagnosis that should assume the highest priority is risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance due to excessive fluid loss. Managing dehydration and preventing further complications are of utmost importance in treating patients with such symptoms.

A patient with severe diarrhea can experience significant fluid loss leading to dehydration. Dehydration disrupts the balance of electrolytes in the body, which are crucial for many bodily functions. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly of sodium and potassium, can cause serious complications, including impact on the heart, nerves, and muscle function. Therefore, interventions to correct dehydration and electrolyte balance should be initiated promptly. Blood tests may reveal biomarkers indicating dehydration, and these results can guide the administration of intravenous fluids and electrolytes. If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock, kidney failure, and other critical issues. Due to the variety of microorganisms that may cause diarrhea, further diagnostic steps, such as stool cultures or rapid tests, may be necessary to identify the causative agent and allow for targeted treatment.