What nursing diagnosis would be a priority for an 86-year-old patient with uncontrollable leakage of urine and a strong urge to void?

The priority nursing diagnosis for an 86-year-old patient experiencing uncontrollable leakage of urine along with a strong urge to void is urge urinary incontinence. This type of incontinence is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. The presence of a strong urge combined with the inability to control urination directly points to urge urinary incontinence as the underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

In older patients, factors such as bladder overactivity, neurological conditions, or medications can contribute to urge incontinence, making it a critical area for intervention. Prioritizing this diagnosis allows for the implementation of strategies aimed at managing this type of incontinence, including bladder training, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life and addressing the immediate concerns related to urinary control.

Other diagnoses, while relevant to urinary issues, do not encapsulate the primary symptoms experienced by the patient. For instance, functional urinary incontinence focuses on the inability to reach the toilet due to physical or cognitive limitations, which does not relate to the strong urge being described. Impaired skin integrity may result from incontinence but is a secondary issue that arises from the lack of control, rather than highlighting the problem itself. Lastly, urinary retention