A patient with suspected renal calculi presents with severe right flank pain. Which nursing diagnosis should be prioritized?

• A. Acute pain
• B. Risk for infection
• C. Impaired urinary elimination
• D. Deficient knowledge

Answer: (A)

The immediate need is to relieve acute pain. Severe unilateral flank pain from renal colic is the most urgent symptom to address, because intense pain can prevent rest, hinder accurate assessment, and trigger physiologic stress responses (elevated heart rate and blood pressure) that complicate care. The nursing priority is to administer and monitor analgesia promptly, provide comfort measures, and support the patient while diagnostic workup proceeds.

While infection risk, urinary elimination issues, and patient education are important in renal calculi care, they are addressed after pain is controlled. Pain relief allows better participation in assessment, clearer symptom evaluation, and safer evaluation for obstruction or infection.