What is the primary nursing diagnosis for a client with renal colic?

In the case of a client with renal colic, the primary nursing diagnosis focuses on the most immediate and significant symptom experienced by the patient, which is acute pain. Renal colic is characterized by severe pain caused by the obstruction of urine flow, typically resulting from a kidney stone. This intense pain usually starts suddenly and can fluctuate in intensity, often radiating to other areas such as the back and abdomen.

Acute pain is directly related to the condition and its underlying pathophysiology, making it a priority for nursing assessment and intervention. The management of acute pain is essential, as it affects the client's comfort, mobility, and overall well-being. Effective pain management strategies should be implemented promptly to alleviate discomfort and enhance the patient's quality of life.

The other choices, while relevant in certain contexts, do not address the most pressing issue at hand. Impaired skin integrity might be a concern for patients with immobility due to pain but is not the primary focus. Risk for infection can be a consideration due to the potential for urinary tract infections with obstructive uropathy, but it is not the immediate concern compared to the acute pain experienced. Ineffective coping can arise as the patient struggles to deal with the discomfort and stress of the condition,