Final answer:
When caring for a child with pyloric stenosis during the preop phase, ensuring fluid balance is the highest priority due to the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by vomiting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis during the preop phase of the child's treatment. The highest priority goal at this time is ensuring fluid balance. Pyloric stenosis is a condition where the pylorus, which connects the stomach to the small intestine, becomes narrow, blocking food from entering the intestine. This can lead to vomiting and dehydration. During the preoperative phase, it is critical to manage dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by vomiting. While providing nutritional support, promoting pain relief, and facilitating wound healing are important, they become secondary to stabilizing the child's fluid and electrolyte balance before surgery.