A nurse is providing care for a 71-year-old client who has diabetes insipidus (DI) and is receiving treatment with desmopressin. Which of the following lab values is most important for the nurse to monitor?
Serum phosphate levels
Serum calcium levels
Serum sodium levels
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Serum phosphate levels are not the primary concern in the management of diabetes insipidus (DI). While phosphate levels are important for overall health, they do not directly relate to the condition or its treatment with desmopressin. DI primarily affects water balance and sodium levels in the body.
Choice B reason:
Serum calcium levels, although important, are not the most critical lab value to monitor in a client with DI receiving desmopressin. Calcium levels are crucial for bone health and various metabolic functions, but they do not directly reflect the effectiveness or complications of desmopressin therapy.
Choice C reason:
Serum sodium levels are the most important lab value to monitor in a client with DI receiving desmopressin. DI causes an imbalance in water regulation, leading to excessive urination and potential dehydration. Desmopressin helps to reduce urine output and maintain water balance, but it can also lead to water retention and hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Monitoring serum sodium is crucial to prevent complications such as seizures, confusion, and other neurological symptoms associated with hyponatremia.
Choice D reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are useful in assessing kidney function and hydration status, but they are not the primary concern in the management of DI with desmopressin. While BUN levels can provide valuable information about renal function, they do not directly indicate the effectiveness or potential complications of desmopressin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
“Blood flow is altered due to restricted stretching of the ventricles, impairing the heart’s ability to contract” is not accurate in the context of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD primarily affects the arteries outside the heart, particularly those supplying the legs and feet. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the extremities. The statement about restricted stretching of the ventricles and impaired heart contraction is more relevant to conditions like heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
Choice B reason:
“Blood flow is altered due to increased pressure in the arteries” is a more accurate description of PAD. In PAD, the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arterial walls leads to increased resistance and pressure within the arteries. This condition reduces the flow of oxygenated blood to the limbs, causing symptoms such as pain, cramping, and fatigue, especially during physical activity. Managing PAD involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Conivaptan hydrochloride is a vasopressin receptor antagonist used to treat hyponatremia associated with SIADH. It works by blocking the action of ADH, thereby promoting water excretion without losing sodium. This medication is appropriate for managing SIADH.
Choice B Reason:
Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is not appropriate for a patient with SIADH. SIADH is characterized by excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia. Administering vasopressin would exacerbate the condition by increasing water retention and further lowering sodium levels.
Choice C Reason:
Sodium chloride tablets are used to manage hyponatremia by increasing sodium levels in the blood. This treatment is appropriate for patients with SIADH to help correct the sodium imbalance caused by excessive ADH.
Choice D Reason:
Tolvaptan is another vasopressin receptor antagonist that is used to treat hyponatremia associated with SIADH. It helps to increase serum sodium levels by promoting water excretion while retaining sodium. This medication is suitable for managing SIADH.
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.