A client tells the nurse, "I've been feeling excessively thirsty for the last 2 days." On examination, the nurse finds the client has poor skin turgor, low blood pressure, and dry skin. A computed tomography scan of the client's head shows a pituitary tumor. Which treatment does the nurse expect to be prescribed by the primary health-care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The clinical presentation suggests that the client has diabetes insipidus, which occurs due to the lack of secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or arginine vasopressin (AVP) from the pituitary gland. The pituitary tumor is likely causing a decrease in AVP levels. The treatment of choice for central diabetes insipidus is AVP replacement therapy, which can be administered as a nasal spray or an injection. Bromocriptine is a dopamine receptor agonist used to treat hyperprolactinemia, which is not related to the client's symptoms. Growth hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone are also not relevant to the client's diagnosis.

A Client Tells the Nurse, "I've Been Feeling Excessively Thirsty