A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes insipidus.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

The statement “The intravenous medication will have delayed absorption into the body’s tissues” is incorrect. Intravenous (IV) therapy is administering fluids directly into a vein. It benefits treatment by enabling water, medication, blood, or nutrients to access the body faster through the circulatory system. This bypasses the gastric system so the body can take on more fluids quickly. Therefore, the absorption of intravenous medication into the body’s tissues is not delayed but rather immediate.

Choice B rationale:

The statement “The action of the medication will begin sooner when given intravenously” is correct. Administering a medication intravenously eliminates the process of drug absorption and breakdown by directly depositing it into the blood. This results in the immediate elevation of serum levels and high concentration in vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, the action of the medication begins sooner when given intravenously.

Choice C rationale:

The statement “The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously” is not necessarily true. While some medications might cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously, this is not a general rule for all medications. The adverse effects of a medication depend on various factors including the type of medication, the dose, the patient’s health condition, and more.

Choice D rationale:

The statement “There is a lower chance of allergic reactions when drugs are given intravenously” is not necessarily true. The chance of allergic reactions depends on various factors including the type of drug, the patient’s immune response, previous exposure to the drug, and more. It’s not related to the route of administration.

Choice A rationale:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen, produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to use glucose for energy. Glucose is a sugar that comes, in large part, from foods we eat. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells in the body. Therefore, if a client with type 1 diabetes refuses breakfast and requests to sleep, it could lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or seizures. It is a medical emergency and should be reported immediately.

Choice B rationale:

Trimming a toenail may seem like a simple task, but for a person with diabetes, it can lead to serious complications. Diabetes can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness in the feet, making it difficult for a person to feel a cut, blister, or sore. These injuries can become infected and lead to serious complications, such as the need for amputation. However, this situation is not as immediately life-threatening as hypoglycemia and does not need to be reported immediately.

Choice C rationale:

Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for individuals with diabetes. However, it can also be a result of less serious causes such as certain medications, foods, or simply not drinking enough fluids. While it’s important for the AP to encourage the client to drink more fluids, this situation is not as immediately life-threatening as hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Dizziness when standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, can be a side effect of some medications used to treat diabetes. It can also be a symptom of dehydration or other conditions. While it’s important for the AP to monitor the client’s symptoms and report any changes, this situation is not as immediately life-threatening as hypoglycemia