When creating a care plan for a patient with Addison's disease on long-term therapy, which nursing diagnosis is a priority?

In the context of Addison's disease and long-term therapy with adrenocortical agents, the priority nursing diagnosis focuses on the complications related to medication therapy, particularly the risk for infection. Patients with Addison's disease often require glucocorticoid replacement therapy, which can suppress the immune system and increase vulnerability to infections.

Long-term steroid use diminishes the body’s natural immune response, preventing it from effectively combating pathogens. Therefore, monitoring for signs of infection and implementing preventive measures becomes crucial in the care plan. Recognizing the potential for infections allows for timely interventions, such as patient education on hygiene and prompt reporting of symptoms suggestive of infection.

While other nursing diagnoses, such as impaired skin integrity, nutritional imbalances, and ineffective airway clearance, are certainly relevant to patient care, they are not prioritized over the immediate risk posed by infection when considering the effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy in patients with Addison's disease.