A client who is newly diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI) is receiving a synthetic vasopressin intravenously. Which side effect of vasopressin reported by the client should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
Worsening headache.
Low urine specific gravity.
Polyuria.
Polydipsia.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Worsening headache:
Vasopressin is used to manage diabetes insipidus by reducing excessive urine output and increasing water reabsorption. A worsening headache could indicate an adverse reaction or side effect such as water intoxication or an increase in intracranial pressure, which requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.
B. Low urine specific gravity:
Vasopressin should increase urine specific gravity by concentrating the urine. A low urine specific gravity would indicate that the medication is not effectively concentrating the urine, but it is not an immediate or severe side effect needing urgent reporting.
C. Polyuria:
Polyuria (excessive urine output) is a characteristic of diabetes insipidus, and vasopressin is intended to reduce this symptom. If polyuria persists despite treatment, it suggests that the medication is not working as intended but does not indicate a severe side effect.
D. Polydipsia:
Polydipsia (excessive thirst) can occur in diabetes insipidus and may continue despite treatment with vasopressin. While it indicates ongoing symptoms, it is not a severe side effect of the medication that would require urgent reporting to the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to manage hyperkalemia, not to affect hemoglobin levels. While a hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL is within the normal range, it does not indicate the effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
B. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL (17.62 μmol/dL):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not used to manage ammonia levels; it is used to lower elevated potassium levels. Thus, a serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL does not reflect the effectiveness of the medication.
C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is specifically used to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). A serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, indicating that the medication has effectively reduced elevated potassium levels.
D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect glucose levels. A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated but unrelated to the effectiveness of the potassium-lowering medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Do not take the medication more than once every 8 hours:
Diphenhydramine is typically dosed every 4 to 6 hours, not just once every 8 hours. However, this instruction is less critical compared to addressing the safety concerns related to drowsiness.
B. Take the medication with food to prevent gastric upset:
Diphenhydramine is generally not known to cause significant gastric upset, so this instruction is less critical. The primary concern with diphenhydramine is its sedative effects rather than gastrointestinal issues.
C. Avoid driving, since this medication causes drowsiness:
Diphenhydramine is known to cause significant drowsiness and sedation. Advising the client to avoid driving is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure their safety, making this the most important instruction.
D. Use sugarless candy or gum to help prevent a dry mouth:
While diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, using sugarless candy or gum is a helpful but secondary instruction. The primary concern with diphenhydramine is its sedative effect, which affects the client's ability to drive safely.
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