A nurse is assessing a 5-year-old child who has diabetes insipidus and is receiving desmopressin.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?

B) Speak in a neutral tone when addressing the client.

When creating a plan of care for a client with paranoid personality disorder who refuses to take their medication, it's essential to approach the client in a way that fosters trust and reduces anxiety. Speaking in a neutral, non-confrontational, and non-threatening tone can help build rapport and facilitate communication with the client.

The other options are not appropriate interventions:

A) Mixing medication with the client's food without their consent can be seen as a breach of trust and may worsen the client's paranoia.

C) Limiting the client's opportunities to socialize with others can lead to increased isolation and potentially exacerbate the client's paranoid tendencies.

D) Rotating staff members caring for the client may also contribute to feelings of mistrust and may not be conducive to establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Consistency in care can be more helpful for individuals with paranoid personality disorder.

The correct answer is choice C: Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring.

Choice A rationale:

Implementing fluid restrictions is not recommended for a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is characterized by severe dehydration due to osmotic diuresis, and fluid replacement is a critical component of treatment to restore hydration and circulatory volume.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is not sufficient for a child with DKA. DKA is an acute, life-threatening condition that requires close monitoring of vital signs to detect changes in the patient’s condition promptly. Vital signs should be monitored more frequently, typically every 1 to 2 hours, depending on the severity of the DKA and institutional protocols.

Choice C rationale:

Continuous cardiac monitoring is recommended for a child with DKA. DKA can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of these potential complications.

Choice D rationale:

Administering subcutaneous insulin 30 minutes before meals is not appropriate for the acute management of DKA. In DKA, insulin is typically administered intravenously to rapidly decrease blood glucose levels and correct metabolic acidosis. Subcutaneous insulin is not used until the patient is stable and able to eat.