Prioritizing Nursing Diagnosis

Nursing Students Student Assist

Updated:   Published

I have to develop a care plan, and I've only been in nursing school for 4 weeks, so we haven't even gone over these hardly at all. My patient is 92 yrs old, presents with temp of 103, BP 140/90, Pulse 114, Resp 30, labored breathing. Diarrhea for the past 3 days. What is the first priority? I'm thinking either "ineffective breathing pattern" or "impaired gas exchange" because of vital signs and labored breathing. But I know he's probably dehydrated too. Which is #1 nursing diagnosis? Or am I totally off base? Thanks for your help!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
AspiringNurseMW said:
Seriously Esme12. I have been lurking on AN for a few years, just started my prerequisites to hopefully get into next year's program and I'm already scheming of ways of making you my online tutor somehow. Do you do this? You totally should. I would pay. I think everyone on AN would LOL.

I am right here...everyday ((HUGS)) My payment is helping the next generation become the very best they can be so I have the best nurses caring for me ...LOL

Always remember...pay it forward.

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