A nurse suspects a client has diabetes insipidus. What are the priority interventions? Select all that apply.
Monitor for hypernatremia.
Monitor neuro status.
Monitor for hyponatremia.
Monitor urine specific gravity.
Monitor strict I&O.
Correct Answer : A
Choice A: Monitor for hypernatremia.
Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels in the blood, is a common complication of diabetes insipidus due to excessive water loss and insufficient water intake. Monitoring for hypernatremia involves regular blood tests to check sodium levels. Symptoms of hypernatremia include extreme thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Choice B: Monitor neuro status.
Monitoring neurological status is essential in patients with diabetes insipidus because severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, irritability, seizures, and even coma. Regular assessments of mental status, level of consciousness, and neurological function help in early detection of complications and timely intervention.
Choice C: Monitor for hyponatremia.
While hyponatremia (low sodium levels) is less common in diabetes insipidus, it can occur if there is excessive water intake without adequate sodium replacement. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. Monitoring sodium levels helps in maintaining a balance and preventing complications.
Choice D: Monitor urine specific gravity.
Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in the urine. In diabetes insipidus, urine is typically very dilute, with a specific gravity of less than 1.005. Regular monitoring helps in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and the patient’s hydration status. It also aids in differentiating diabetes insipidus from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Choice E: Monitor strict I&O.
Strict monitoring of intake and output (I&O) is crucial in managing diabetes insipidus. This involves accurately measuring all fluids consumed and excreted to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte balance. It helps in identifying trends in fluid loss and guiding appropriate fluid replacement therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A: Observe for clear drainage.
Reason: Observing for clear drainage is important as it can indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, especially after nasal or sinus surgery. CSF leakage is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Clear drainage from the nose should be tested for the presence of glucose, which can confirm if it is CSF.
Choice B: Assess for signs of bleeding.
Reason: Assessing for signs of bleeding is crucial in the immediate postoperative period. Nasal packing can sometimes mask ongoing bleeding, so it is important to monitor for any signs of excessive blood loss. This includes checking for blood-soaked dressings, frequent swallowing (which can indicate blood trickling down the throat), and changes in vital signs such as increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
Choice C: Watch the client for frequent swallowing.
Reason: Watching the client for frequent swallowing is important because it can be a sign of posterior nasal bleeding. Blood can trickle down the back of the throat, causing the client to swallow frequently. This is a subtle but significant sign that should prompt further investigation and possible intervention.
Choice D: Change the nasal packing.
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Nasal packing should not be changed by the nurse without specific orders from the physician. Changing the packing prematurely can disrupt the surgical site, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of infection. The packing is usually removed by the surgeon or under their direct supervision.
Choice E: Administer a nasal steroid to decrease edema.
Reason: Administering a nasal steroid can help reduce inflammation and edema in the nasal passages. However, this should only be done if prescribed by the physician. Nasal steroids can help improve breathing and reduce discomfort, but they must be used according to medical guidance to avoid potential side effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Elevating the head of the client’s bed can help reduce blood pressure slightly by promoting venous return and decreasing intracranial pressure. However, this action alone is not sufficient to address the severe hypertension (254/139 mm Hg) the client is experiencing. Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, or organ damage.
Choice B reason:
Contacting the Rapid Response Team is the highest priority action. The Rapid Response Team is trained to handle critical situations and can provide immediate interventions to stabilize the client’s condition. Severe hypertension at this level requires urgent medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. The team can administer medications to lower blood pressure quickly and monitor the client closely.
Choice C reason:
Telling the client to report vision changes is important because vision changes can indicate hypertensive retinopathy or increased intracranial pressure. However, this action is not the immediate priority. The client’s blood pressure needs to be controlled urgently to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason:
Inserting a peripheral IV is necessary for administering medications and fluids. While this is an important step, it should follow the immediate action of contacting the Rapid Response Team. The team can then use the IV access to administer antihypertensive medications promptly.
Choice E reason:
Initiating seizure precautions is important because severe hypertension can lead to seizures. However, this action is not the first priority. The primary focus should be on stabilizing the client’s blood pressure through immediate medical intervention.
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