Hyperthermia-rationale: with age, the bodys ability to regulate temperature diminishes and the number of sebaceous and sweat glands decreases. these changes put the elderly client at risk for hyperthermia. because hyperthermia can be life-threatening, this nursing diagnosis takes highest priority. if activity intolerance, disturbed thought processes, and impaired physical mobility are relevant, the nurse should assign them lower priority when planning this clients care. client needs category: physiological integrity client needs subcategory: reduction of risk potential cognitive level: application reference: taylor, c., et al. fundamentals of nursing: the art and science of nursing care, 6th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2008, p. 560.
