The LPN is caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus and obtains a urine specific gravity reading of 1.002. Which response by the LPN is most important?
a. Document the results.
b. Advise the patient to drink less water.
c. Report the reading to the RN because therapy is ineffective.
d. Report the reading to the RN because the patient may be receiving too much medication.
ANS: C
Normal urine specific gravity is 1.010 to 1.025. 1.002 is too low, meaning therapy is not effective. A. Results should be documented, but it is most important to assure the patient is treated. D. It is unlikely the patient is receiving too much medication. B. The patient needs to drink to replace water lost in urine.
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