A nurse is caring for a client who has a life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmia. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?

A. Increase in serum sodium: Desmopressin, a synthetic form of vasopressin, works to decrease urine output and increase water reabsorption in the kidneys. Therefore, a therapeutic response to desmopressin would not result in an increase in serum sodium; rather, it would aim to normalize serum sodium levels by reducing excessive urine output.
B. Decrease in urine output: The primary therapeutic goal of desmopressin in the treatment of diabetes insipidus is to decrease urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. Therefore, a decrease in urine output would indicate a positive response to the medication.
C. Increase in heart rate: Desmopressin primarily affects kidney function by increasing water reabsorption and does not typically have a direct effect on heart rate. Therefore, an increase in heart rate would not be a manifestation of a therapeutic response to desmopressin.
D. Decrease in blood pressure: Desmopressin works to increase water reabsorption in the kidneys and does not typically cause significant changes in blood pressure. Therefore, a decrease in blood pressure would not be a manifestation of a therapeutic response to desmopressin.

A. "This medication can cause an increase in appetite." is correct. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that commonly causes increased appetite and weight gain as side effects. Clients should be informed of this possibility and encouraged to monitor their diet and weight while taking the medication.

B. "You might experience hair loss while taking this medication." is incorrect. Hair loss is not a common adverse effect of amitriptyline. This side effect is more commonly associated with other medications, such as chemotherapy agents or certain anticonvulsants.

C. "This medication can cause diarrhea." is incorrect. Amitriptyline typically causes constipation rather than diarrhea due to its anticholinergic effects, which slow gastrointestinal motility. Clients should be advised to increase fiber and fluid intake to help manage constipation.

D.While trouble urinating can occur due to anticholinergic effects, urinary frequency is not a commonly reported adverse effect of amitriptyline.