A nurse is caring for a client who is at high risk for developing diabetes insipidus (DI) following a severe head injury. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client is developing DI?
Urine specific gravity of 1.028 (1.005 to 1.03)
Urine output of 250 mL/hr
Serum sodium of 115 mEq/L (136 mEq/L to 145 mEq/L)
Blood glucose of 198 mg/dL (less than 200 mg/dL)
The Correct Answer is B
A. Urine specific gravity of 1.028 (1.005 to 1.03): A urine specific gravity in this range is within normal limits, indicating concentrated urine. In diabetes insipidus, urine is typically very dilute with a specific gravity below 1.005, reflecting excessive water loss, so this finding does not indicate DI.
B. Urine output of 250 mL/hr: Excessive urine output is a hallmark of diabetes insipidus, especially in the context of a recent head injury. High-volume, dilute urine (polyuria) occurs due to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone or kidney insensitivity to it. This finding alerts the nurse to the early development of DI and the need for intervention.
C. Serum sodium of 115 mEq/L (136 mEq/L to 145 mEq/L): Low sodium indicates hyponatremia, which is not typical of DI. In fact, DI usually causes hypernatremia due to free water loss, making this finding inconsistent with the expected laboratory changes in DI.
D. Blood glucose of 198 mg/dL (less than 200 mg/dL): Mildly elevated blood glucose may indicate stress hyperglycemia but is unrelated to the pathophysiology of diabetes insipidus. Glucose levels do not provide a reliable indication of DI development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Providing a verbal report of the client's status to a paramedic performing the transfer: Sharing relevant health information with personnel directly involved in the client’s care is appropriate and necessary for continuity of care. This does not constitute a breach of confidentiality because it is directly related to the client’s treatment and transfer.
B. Faxing the client's medical records to the long-term care facility: Sending medical records to the receiving facility ensures that the client’s care can continue without interruption. As long as the transmission is secure and the information is limited to what is necessary, this is an appropriate and legally permissible action.
C. Discussing the client's reaction to the transfer with another staff nurse: Sharing personal information about the client’s emotional response outside of a care-related context is not necessary for treatment or transfer and constitutes a breach of confidentiality. Such discussions should be avoided to protect the client’s privacy.
D. Leaving a phone message for the provider regarding the status of the client's transfer: Communicating with the provider about the client’s care is appropriate. Leaving a message regarding transfer status is relevant to the client’s treatment and does not violate confidentiality, provided the information is limited to necessary clinical details.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A room with a laminar airflow filtration system: Laminar airflow rooms are designed for clients who are immunocompromised to reduce exposure to airborne pathogens. Clients with hyperthyroidism do not require this level of infection control, so this room type is unnecessary.
B. A room with a cool temperature: Hyperthyroidism increases the client’s metabolic rate, which can lead to heat intolerance and excessive sweating. Assigning a room with a cooler temperature helps maintain comfort and prevent overheating, making it the most appropriate choice for this client.
C. A room that has a private bathroom: While a private bathroom may be convenient for some clients, it is not specifically necessary for hyperthyroidism. The client’s primary needs relate to temperature control and symptom management rather than isolation or frequent toileting.
D. A room near the nurses’ station: Proximity to the nurses’ station is helpful for clients requiring close monitoring, but a client with stable hyperthyroidism does not typically need continuous observation. Room placement near the station is not the priority compared to maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
