The nurse is planning care for an older patient with heart failure who is experiencing shortness of breath. Upon assessment, the patient stated the inability to purchase medication because of financial limits. Which nursing diagnoses will be of the greatest initial importance when planning care?

Question

1. Fluid volume excess
2. Activity intolerance related to shortness of breath
3. Powerlessness related to lack of financial resources
4. Ineffective management of therapeutic regimen related to the inability to purchase medications

Answer 1

1. Fluid volume excess

Explanation: 1. Although all diagnoses listed are appropriate for this situation, fluid volume excess is the priority diagnosis for this patient.
2. Although all diagnoses listed are appropriate for this situation, fluid volume excess is the priority diagnosis for this patient. The patient's tolerance for activity will improve once the excess fluid is removed from the body.
3. Although all diagnoses listed are appropriate for this situation, fluid volume excess is the priority diagnosis for this patient. Physical diagnoses take priority over psychosocial.
4. Although all diagnoses listed are appropriate for this situation, fluid volume excess is the priority diagnosis for this patient. The nurse can work with social services to help the patient with finances so medications can be purchased in the future.