The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of desmopressin use for diabetes insipidus in a client with a pituitary tumor. Which client assessment finding indicates that the medication is having the desired effect?

Question

The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of desmopressin use for diabetes insipidus in a client with a pituitary tumor.  Which client assessment finding indicates that the medication is having the desired effect?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diabetes insipidus (DI) results in low levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. The function of ADH is to concentrate urine by signaling the kidneys to retain water in the setting of thirst. When ADH levels are insufficient, the kidneys excrete large quantities of very dilute urine (polyuria). This causes hypernatremia (elevated serum sodium due to deficit of free water) and increased serum osmolality, which lead to excessive thirst (polydipsia). Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is a synthetic form of ADH, which can be administered intravenously, orally, or via nasal spray. Effectiveness of therapy with desmopressin would be manifested by decreased urinary output and increased urine specific gravity as the urine becomes less dilute (Option C). (Option A) A client's thirst, not appetite, is affected by DI. (Option B) DI is related to water balance, but not to diabetes mellitus, a disorder of glucose metabolism. (Option D) If desmopressin therapy is effective, the client's urine specific gravity will be higher due to the urine output decreasing and becoming less dilute. Educational objective: Use of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) in clients with diabetes insipidus will lower urinary output and cause the urine specific gravity to increase.

The Nurse Evaluates the Effectiveness of Desmopressin Use for Diabetes