The nurse is planning care for a child recently diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI). What intervention should be included?

Question

a. Encourage the child to wear medical identification.
b. Discuss with the child and family ways to limit fluid intake.
c. Teach the child and family how to do required urine testing.
d. Reassure the child and family that this is usually not a chronic or life-threatening illness.

Answer 1

ANS: A
DI is a potentially life-threatening disorder if the voluntary demand for fluid is suppressed or the child does not have access to fluids. Medical alert identification should be worn. Fluid intake is not restricted in children with DI. The child is unable to concentrate urine and can rapidly become dehydrated. Fluid intake may be limited during diagnosis, when the lack of intake will result in decreased urinary output and dehydration. Urine testing is not required in DI. Changes in body weight provide information about approximate fluid balance. This is a lifelong disorder that requires supplemental vasopressin throughout life.