A patient has severe watery diarrhea from chemotherapy and is embarrassed having to be cleaned up frequently.The nurse notes several open areas on the patient's rectal area that cause pain.What nursing diagnosis takes priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's open areas on the rectal area are indicative of impaired skin integrity, which can lead to further complications such as infection. This nursing diagnosis should take priority in order to prevent further harm to the patient's already compromised health. Acute pain and ineffective coping may also be present, but they are secondary to the priority nursing diagnosis of impaired skin integrity. Decreased cardiac output is not relevant to the patient's current situation.

A Patient Has Severe Watery Diarrhea from Chemotherapy and Is