A client with chronic renal failure is admited with a heart rate of 122 beats/minute; a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute, a blood pressure of 190/110 mm Hg, neck vein distention, and bibasilar crackles. Which nursing diagnosis takes highest priority for this client? Select one answer

Choice A reason: Series of assessments that isolate a client’s health problem is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not only a series of assessments, but also a series of actions that include planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care. The nursing process does not isolate a client’s health problem, but rather identifies and addresses the client’s holistic needs and responses to health and illness. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Framework for the organization of individualized nursing care is the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is a framework that guides the nurse’s decision making and actions in providing individualized nursing care to each client. It involves five steps: assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It is based on scientific principles, ethical standards, and evidence-based practice. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Preset formula for the design of nursing care is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not a preset formula, but rather a dynamic and flexible method that adapts to the changing needs and situations of each client. It requires critical thinking, creativity, and clinical judgment from the nurse. It also involves collaboration and communication with the client and other members of the health care team. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Method to assure that the physician’s orders are carried out correctly is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not a method to assure that the physician’s orders are carried out correctly, but rather a method to provide independent and autonomous nursing care that complements or supplements the medical care. The nursing process reflects the nurse’s scope of practice, responsibility, and accountability for the client’s well-being. It also empowers the client to participate in their own care and achieve their health goals. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: This is correct because it is an approved nursing diagnosis that describes a lack of cognitive information related to a specific topic.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because it is not an approved nursing diagnosis, but rather a data or assessment finding that describes the condition of the client’s pupils.

Choice C reason: This is correct because it is an approved nursing diagnosis that describes an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Choice D reason: This is correct because it is an approved nursing diagnosis that describes a decrease in oxygenation and/or elimination of carbon dioxide at the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Choice E reason: This is incorrect because it is not an approved nursing diagnosis, but rather a medical diagnosis that describes a malignant neoplasm of any body part.

Choice F reason: This is incorrect because it is not an approved nursing diagnosis, but rather a medical diagnosis that describes a dysfunction of the kidneys.