A client has been diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Which of the following manifestations would be expected in this client?

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Dry mucous membranes support diabetes insipidus, as excessive water loss from polyuria due to ADH deficiency causes dehydration. This reduces moisture in mucosal tissues, leading to dryness in the mouth and throat, a common physical finding in dehydrated states associated with uncontrolled diabetes insipidus.

Choice B reason: Weight gain is not consistent with diabetes insipidus, which causes water loss through polyuria, leading to dehydration and potential weight loss. Weight gain is more typical of conditions like SIADH, where water retention increases body fluid volume, diluting sodium and causing hyponatremia.

Choice C reason: Poor skin turgor is a sign of dehydration, supporting diabetes insipidus. ADH deficiency leads to excessive dilute urine output, reducing body water content. This causes skin to lose elasticity, as subcutaneous tissues become dehydrated, making poor skin turgor a key physical finding in this condition.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is a clinical sign of diabetes insipidus due to hypovolemia from excessive water loss. Reduced blood volume decreases blood pressure, as the cardiovascular system struggles to maintain perfusion. This finding supports the nurse’s suspicion, as dehydration from polyuria is a hallmark of the condition.

Choice E reason: Decreased heart rate, or bradycardia, is not typical in diabetes insipidus. Dehydration from polyuria typically causes tachycardia as the heart compensates for reduced blood volume. A decreased heart rate may indicate another condition but does not support the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus in this context.

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Decreased heart rate is a late sign in subdural hematoma, occurring with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) causing Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, hypertension, irregular breathing). Early manifestations like altered LOC appear first due to hematoma compression, making heart rate changes a secondary concern.

Choice B reason: Alteration in level of consciousness is the earliest manifestation of subdural hematoma. As the hematoma expands, it compresses brain tissue, impairing cerebral function, leading to confusion, lethargy, or reduced responsiveness. This precedes other signs like motor deficits or vital sign changes, making it the first to monitor.

Choice C reason: Slurred speech may occur in subdural hematoma if motor or speech areas are affected, but it is not the earliest sign. Altered LOC typically precedes focal neurological deficits, as hematoma compression globally impacts brain function before specific areas, making speech changes secondary.

Choice D reason: Bradycardia, like decreased heart rate, is a late sign in subdural hematoma, part of Cushing’s triad from severe ICP elevation. Early signs like altered LOC occur first due to initial brain compression, making bradycardia a later manifestation requiring urgent intervention.