A client with diabetes insipidus has been prescribed vasopressin. The client's ambulatory status is limited. Which of the following would be most important for this client?

Question

A) Measuring the amount of fluid loss every 24 hours
B) Refilling the water container at frequent intervals
C) Giving four glasses of water immediately after the client takes the drug
D) Examining the client's abdomen every 15 to 30 minutes

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Clients with diabetes insipidus are continually thirsty, and in this case, the client also has limited ambulatory activities. Therefore, the nurse should be careful to refill the water container at frequent intervals to ensure the availability of enough drinking water at hand for the client. The nurse need not be careful to measure the amount of fluid loss every 24 hours, give four glasses of water immediately after the client takes the drug, or examine the client's abdomen every 15 to 30 minutes. The nurse instructs the client to measure the amount of urine excreted at each voiding and then total the amount for each 24-hour period. The nurse should instruct the client to drink one or two glasses of water immediately before taking the drug. The nurse need not auscultate the abdomen every 15 to 30 minutes in a client with diabetes insipidus. The nurse auscultates the abdomen every 15 to 30 minutes in a client with abdominal distention.