The nurse would include which of the following in the plan of care for a patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus due to a complication from increased intracranial pressure?

Question

A) Administration of Lasix (furosemide)
B) Fluid restriction
C) Administration of Desmopressin (vasopressin)
D) Obtain patient's weight twice weekly

Answer 1

Ans: C
Chapter: 61
Cognitive Level: Application
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Nursing Process
Objective: 5
Patient Needs: D-2
Feedback: Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a result of decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The patient has excessive urine output, and hyperosmolarity results. Therapy consists of administration of fluid volume, electrolyte replacement, and vasopressin (desmopressin acetate) (DDAVP) therapy. Vasopressin must be administered with caution if the patient has coronary artery disease because the medication causes vasoconstriction. Patients with DI would neither be on a fluid restriction nor receiving Lasix. Restricting fluids causes the patient to experience an insatiable craving for fluid and to develop hypernatremia and severe dehydration. High-volume loss of urine continues even without fluid replacement. The patient's weight must be closely monitored (more frequently than twice a week) to ensure adequate fluid replacement. Refer also to Chapters 14 and 42.