The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with diabetes insipidus (DI). Which information is most important to report to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's confusion and lethargy may indicate hypernatremia and should be addressed quickly. In addition,patients with DI compensate for fluid losses by drinking copious amounts of fluids,but a patient who is lethargic will be unable to drink enough fluids and will become hypovolemic. A high urine output,low urine specific gravity,and history of a recent head injury are consistent with diabetes insipidus,but they do not require immediate nursing action to avoid life-threatening complications.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Admitted with Diabetes