A client with diabetes insipidus (DI) has an average urinary output of 500 ml. of dilute urine every hour for the last 4 hours. Which laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?

White blood cell count.

Capillary glucose.

Urine specific gravity.

Serum sodium.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A)   Incorrect- This test is used to assess for infection or inflammation and is not specifically related to monitoring diabetes insipidus.
B)   Incorrect- This test is used to monitor blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus.
C)   Incorrect- While urine specific gravity can provide information about urine concentration, it is not the most important laboratory test to monitor in a client with diabetes insipidus. Serum sodium level is a more critical indicator of electrolyte balance and potential complications in DI.
D)   Correct- Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to the body's inability to regulate fluid balance. In DI, the body either lacks antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, or the kidneys are resistant to its effects. As a result, clients with DI can produce large volumes of dilute urine. The most significant concern in DI is the potential for electrolyte imbalances, particularly low serum sodium levels (hyponatremia). Excessive loss of water in the urine can lead to dehydration and concentration of the blood's sodium levels. This can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Monitoring the serum sodium level is crucial to ensure that it remains within a safe range.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Misplacing car keys occasionally is a common occurrence and may not necessarily indicate Alzheimer's disease. It can happen to anyone, especially when distracted or in a hurry.

Choice B rationale: Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as cooking a meal or driving to a familiar location, is an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. It indicates changes in cognitive function.

Choice C rationale: Losing sense of time, such as not knowing the date, day of the week, or season, can be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. It reflects impairments in temporal orientation.

Choice D rationale: Problems with performing basic calculations, such as managing finances or following a recipe, are early signs of Alzheimer's disease. It shows a decline in cognitive abilities related to numbers and problem-solving.

Choice E rationale: Becoming lost in a usually familiar environment, such as getting disoriented in one's own neighborhood, is a significant early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. It suggests spatial and memory impairments.

A. Review transcutaneous bilirubin levels with a bilirubinometer. B. Observe and palpate newborn's breast tissue for enlargement. C. Assess for signs of fluid retention and bilateral pedal edema. D. Explain to mother that the finding is due to increased androgen.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect- Reviewing transcutaneous bilirubin levels is unrelated to the presence of an enlarged clitoris. Bilirubin levels are typically assessed to monitor jaundice in newborns.
B) Incorrect- Observing and palpating breast tissue for enlargement is not relevant to the condition of salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Breast tissue enlargement would not be associated with this hormonal disorder.
C) Incorrect- Assessing for signs of fluid retention and bilateral pedal edema is important for monitoring for other conditions, but it is not relevant to the enlarged clitoris seen in this specific scenario.
D) Correct- Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder that results in a deficiency of certain enzymes required for cortisol and aldosterone production. This deficiency leads to an overproduction of androgens, which can cause virilization of female external genitalia. The enlarged clitoris is a result of increased androgen levels. Explaining this finding to the mother provides her with accurate information about the condition and its effects on the infant's anatomy.

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A client with diabetes insipidus (DI) has an average urinary output of 500 ml. of dilute urine every hour for the last 4 hours. Which laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When providing community healthcare teaching regarding the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, which signs should the nurse advise family members to report (Select all that apply)?

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

When assessing a newborn girl with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency, the nurse notes that the infant has an enlarged clitoris. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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