nursing priorities

[Krissy12386]

Before each clinical I have to complete a pre-clinical worksheet. I am given a medical dx and from there I fill out my forms. I have having trouble with the part were it asks my priority. My pt has gastric enteritis. Acid-base balance, hypokalemia, dehydration etc. are all complications and usually priorities go in the ABC order (airways, breathing, circulation etc.) with this medical dx I feel the priority is maintaining hydration and balance since this pt is vomiting and has diarrhea. But should I say respiratory r/t aspiratin?

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

the patient has vomiting and diarrhea. are there any respiratory problems to warrant a respiratory nursing diagnosis? doesn't sound like it. you can't manufacture a problem that doesn't exist. by maslow's hierarchy of needs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs) the need for food and water come before the need for elimination; actual diagnoses always come before anticipated problems (diagnoses). vomiting and diarrhea would cause

• deficient fluid volume r/t active fluid volume loss
  
• diarrhea r/t inflamed gi track
  
• risk for impaired skin integrity r/t excessive liquid stools