A 22-year-old male is admitted to the intensive care unit with a closed head injury sustained in a motorcycle accident. The injury has caused severe damage to the posterior pituitary. Which of the following complications should be anticipated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Damage to the posterior pituitary can result in decreased or absent secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which can lead to diabetes insipidus. Polyuria and dehydration are common complications of diabetes insipidus. Dilutional hyponatremia may also occur due to excessive water intake, but dehydration is a more significant concern. Cardiac arrest from hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis are not direct complications of damage to the posterior pituitary.

A 22-Year-Old Male Is Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit