A patient is hospitalized with head trauma after a motor vehicle accident. The nurse caring for the patient notes a marked increase in the output of pale, dilute urine. The nurse suspects which condition?
A) Diabetes insipidus
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
D) Water intoxication

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) produces hypothalamic diabetes insipidus, in which large volumes of dilute urine are produced. Head trauma can cause the hypothalamus to stop producing ADH. Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder of the pancreas that causes the production of large volumes of nondilute urine. SIADH is a condition in which too much ADH is produced, causing oliguria. Water intoxication occurs with SIADH.

A Patient Is Hospitalized with Head Trauma After a Motor