A patient with diabetes insipidus (DI)is experiencing extreme dehydration.What should be used to guide intravenous fluid replacement therapy for this patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best guide for intravenous fluid replacement therapy in a patient with diabetes insipidus experiencing extreme dehydration is the serum sodium level. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by excessive urine output and fluid loss, which can lead to hypernatremia. Monitoring the serum sodium level will help guide fluid replacement therapy to prevent further electrolyte imbalances. Skin turgor and hemoglobin level may provide additional information but they are not the primary guides for fluid replacement therapy in this case. Urine output total may be useful for diagnosing diabetes insipidus, but it is not helpful in determining the appropriate fluid replacement therapy for a patient who is already experiencing dehydration.

A Patient with Diabetes Insipidus (DI)is Experiencing Extreme Dehydration