The nurse identifies several problems for an older adult client experiencing diarrhea and fecal incontinence who is confined to bed and being cared for by a primary caregiver. In planning care, the nurse should determine which nursing problem is the highest priority?

A. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances, especially in older adults. Prioritizing hydration and electrolyte management is essential to prevent severe complications like renal failure or shock. B. While caregiver stress is significant and must be addressed, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a fluid volume deficit. C. This is an ongoing management issue but does not pose an immediate threat to the client's life compared to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. D. Although important for overall care and prevention of complications such as pressure ulcers, it is not as critical as managing fluid volume deficit in this scenario.