Which laboratory value should be monitored by the nurse for the client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus? 1. Serum sodium. 2. Serum calcium 3. Urine glucose. 4. Urine white blood cells.
The laboratory value that should be monitored by the nurse for a client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus is serum sodium (option 1)
The laboratory value that should be monitored by the nurse for a client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus is serum sodium (option 1).
Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by inadequate production or utilization of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. ADH is responsible for regulating the body’s fluid balance by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidney tubules. In diabetes insipidus, there is either a deficiency of ADH (central diabetes insipidus) or the kidney’s inability to respond to ADH (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus), resulting in excessive urination and thirst.
Serum sodium levels are crucial to monitor in diabetes insipidus because the excessive excretion of large amounts of dilute urine can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia). Hyponatremia can cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, weakness, and even coma if left untreated. Monitoring serum sodium levels helps the nurse assess the client’s fluid balance and ensure that sodium levels remain within the normal range.
Monitoring other laboratory values such as serum calcium (option 2), urine glucose (option 3), or urine white blood cells (option 4) is not directly related to diabetes insipidus. Serum calcium levels are more relevant in conditions affecting the parathyroid gland or bone metabolism. Urine glucose levels are monitored in diabetes mellitus, a different condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Urine white blood cells are assessed for urinary tract infections or other urinary disorders, which may not be directly related to diabetes insipidus.
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Managing Diabetes Insipidus: Proper Storage of Desmopressin Medication to Ensure Effectiveness