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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased Body Temperature
Decreased body temperature is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. In fact, hyperthyroidism often causes an increase in body temperature due to the accelerated metabolic rate. Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience heat intolerance and excessive sweating, but not a decrease in body temperature.
Choice B reason: Tachycardia
Tachycardia, or an abnormally fast heart rate, is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. The elevated levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) increase the body’s metabolism, leading to an increased heart rate. This can result in palpitations and a feeling of a racing heart, which are characteristic signs of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, tachycardia is the most likely vital sign abnormality in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Hypotension
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Instead, hyperthyroidism can sometimes cause an increase in blood pressure due to the heightened metabolic activity and increased cardiac output4. Therefore, hypotension is not a characteristic finding in patients with elevated thyroid hormone levels.
Choice D reason: Slow Respiratory Rate
A slow respiratory rate is not commonly seen in hyperthyroidism. The condition usually leads to an increased respiratory rate due to the body’s heightened metabolic demands. Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience shortness of breath and rapid breathing, but not a slow respiratory rate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Dietary and Fluid Restrictions
Dietary and fluid restrictions are crucial for patients with heart failure. These restrictions help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Limiting sodium intake can reduce fluid retention, which decreases the workload on the heart. Fluid restrictions help prevent fluid overload, which can lead to worsening heart failure symptoms. Patients are often advised to monitor their weight daily to detect fluid retention early. This choice is essential for managing heart failure effectively.
Choice B: Encouraging Increased Mobility
While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, it must be approached cautiously in patients with heart failure. Encouraging increased mobility without proper medical guidance can lead to overexertion and exacerbate heart failure symptoms. Exercise programs for heart failure patients should be tailored and supervised by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness. Therefore, this choice is not as immediately critical as dietary and fluid restrictions.
Choice C: Cessation of Hormonal Supplements
Hormonal supplements can have various effects on the cardiovascular system, but their cessation is not a standard recommendation for all heart failure patients. The impact of hormonal supplements depends on the specific type and the patient’s overall health condition. This choice is less relevant compared to dietary and fluid restrictions, which have a direct and significant impact on heart failure management.
Choice D: Cessation of Intravenous (IV) Drug Use
Cessation of intravenous drug use is important for overall health and preventing infections, but it is not specific to heart failure management. While IV drug use can lead to complications that may affect the heart, it is not a primary lifestyle modification recommended for heart failure patients. The focus should be on managing fluid balance and dietary intake
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