A client is admited with the following vital signs: temperature 102oF (38.9oC); heart rate 144 beats/minute and irregular;, and respiratory rate 22 breaths/minute. Which nursing diagnosis takes highest priority when planning this client’s care? Select one answer

Choice A reason: A desired patient outcome or expected outcome is a goal that the patient and his family ask the nursing staff to accomplish. This ensures that the patient’s needs and preferences are respected and met.

Choice B reason: A desired patient outcome or expected outcome is not a goal that is set slightly higher than the patient can achieve. This would be unrealistic and demotivating for the patient.

Choice C reason: A desired patient outcome or expected outcome is not a goal statement that is observable and measurable. This is a characteristic of a well-writen goal statement, but not a definition of a desired patient outcome or expected outcome.

Choice D reason: A desired patient outcome or expected outcome is a goal that the patient should reach as a result of planned nursing interventions. This shows the link between the nursing process and the patient’s progress.

Choice A reason: Ineffective thermoregulation is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the body’s ability to maintain a normal temperature range. It can be caused by factors such as infection, inflammation, or environmental exposure. It can result in symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, or shivering. The client’s temperature of 102oF (38.9oC) suggests that they have ineffective thermoregulation, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not immediately life-threatening. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Decreased cardiac output is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It can be caused by factors such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or shock. It can result in symptoms such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, or oliguria. The client’s heart rate of 144 beats/minute and irregular suggests that they have decreased cardiac output, which is the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it can lead to organ failure or death if not treated promptly. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Ineffective breathing patern is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the rate, rhythm, depth, or quality of respirations. It can be caused by factors such as airway obstruction, lung disease, or anxiety. It can result in symptoms such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or hypoxia. The client’s respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an ineffective breathing patern. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Ineffective renal tissue perfusion is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the blood flow to the kidneys. It can be caused by factors such as renal artery stenosis, dehydration, or sepsis. It can result in symptoms such as oliguria, hematuria, or azotemia. The client’s vital signs do not indicate an ineffective renal tissue perfusion, and there is no evidence of renal impairment or dysfunction. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.