A nurse is caring for a client who has a life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmia. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?

A. Increase in serum sodium: Desmopressin, a synthetic form of vasopressin, works to decrease urine output and increase water reabsorption in the kidneys. Therefore, a therapeutic response to desmopressin would not result in an increase in serum sodium; rather, it would aim to normalize serum sodium levels by reducing excessive urine output.
B. Decrease in urine output: The primary therapeutic goal of desmopressin in the treatment of diabetes insipidus is to decrease urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. Therefore, a decrease in urine output would indicate a positive response to the medication.
C. Increase in heart rate: Desmopressin primarily affects kidney function by increasing water reabsorption and does not typically have a direct effect on heart rate. Therefore, an increase in heart rate would not be a manifestation of a therapeutic response to desmopressin.
D. Decrease in blood pressure: Desmopressin works to increase water reabsorption in the kidneys and does not typically cause significant changes in blood pressure. Therefore, a decrease in blood pressure would not be a manifestation of a therapeutic response to desmopressin.

A. This statement indicates correct understanding. Remaining upright after taking ferrous gluconate reduces the risk of esophageal irritation or discomfort, which can occur if the medication refluxes into the esophagus. This is an important teaching point for clients taking iron supplements.

B. This statement is incorrect. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of ferrous gluconate by altering stomach acidity, which is necessary for optimal iron absorption. Clients should avoid taking antacids within two hours of iron supplements.

C. This statement is incorrect. Milk and other calcium-containing products inhibit the absorption of iron. It is recommended to take ferrous gluconate with water or a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, to enhance absorption.

D. This statement is incorrect. Black stools are a common and harmless side effect of taking iron supplements and do not typically require notifying the provider unless accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or blood in the stool.