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: Fear is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the client’s emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. It can be caused by factors such as uncertainty, lack of control, or loss of function. It can result in symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, or palpitations. The client may experience fear related to their chronic renal failure and its complications, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not directly affecting their physical health or safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Toileting self-care deficit is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the client’s ability to perform or complete activities related to urination or defecation. It can be caused by factors such as physical impairment, cognitive impairment, or environmental barriers. It can result in symptoms such as incontinence, constipation, or skin breakdown. The client may have a toileting self-care deficit related to their chronic renal failure and its effects on their urinary function, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not immediately life-threatening. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Excess fluid volume is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the retention of water and sodium in the body. It can be caused by factors such as renal failure, heart failure, or liver cirrhosis. It can result in symptoms such as edema, hypertension, tachycardia, dyspnea, or crackles. The client’s vital signs and physical findings suggest that they have excess fluid volume, which is the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it can lead to pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, or stroke if not treated promptly. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice D reason: Urinary retention is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the inability to empty the bladder completely or at all. It can be caused by factors such as obstruction, infection, or medication. It can result in symptoms such as difficulty or pain in urinating, frequent or urgent urination, or abdominal distension. The client may have urinary retention related to their chronic renal failure and its effects on their bladder function, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not directly causing their fluid overload or cardiovascular compromise. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: Restating is a therapeutic communication technique that involves repeating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show understanding and clarify meaning. It is not an appropriate intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, especially when the client does not speak English. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Listening is a therapeutic communication technique that involves paying atention and showing interest in what the client has to say. It is an important skill for building rapport and trust, but it is not an effective intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, especially when the client does not speak English.

Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Silence is a therapeutic communication technique that involves allowing pauses or gaps in the conversation to give the client time to think, reflect, or express emotions. It can be useful in some situations, but it is not a sufficient intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, especially when the client does not speak English. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Touch is a nonverbal communication technique that involves using physical contact to convey empathy, support, or reassurance. It can be a powerful intervention to provide comfort during a painful procedure, as long as it is done with respect, consent, and cultural sensitivity. It can also transcend language barriers and communicate caring and compassion. Therefore, this choice is correct.