A patient is admitted to the intensive care unit with a closed head injury sustained in a motorcy-cle accident. The injury has caused severe damage to the posterior pituitary. Which of the fol-lowing complications should the nurse anticipate?

a. Dilutional hyponatremia
b. Dehydration from polyuria
c. Cardiac arrest from hyperkalemia
d. Metabolic acidosis


ANS: B
Diabetes insipidus is a well-recognized complication of closed head injury and is manifested by polyuria leading to dehydration. The patient will experience hypernatremia, not hyponatremia. Electrolytes other than sodium are typically not affected with diabetes insipidus. Acidosis is not associated with diabetes insipidus.

Health Professions

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