A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes insipidus and is receiving desmopressin by intermittent IV bolus. Which of the following manifestations should indicate to the nurse a therapeutic response to the medication?

Choice A Reason:
Weight gain is incorrect. Weight gain is typically associated with fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, fluid retention can lead to weight gain due to excess fluid accumulation in the body.
Choice B Reason:
Distended neck veins is incorrect. Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume excess, commonly seen in heart failure due to increased venous pressure and fluid retention.
Choice C Reason:
Shortness of breath is incorrect.: Shortness of breath is often associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which is a manifestation of fluid volume excess or fluid overload in heart failure.
Choice D Reason:
Elevated hematocrit level is correct. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes diuresis (increased urine output), leading to fluid loss. When a client experiences fluid volume deficit or dehydration due to increased diuresis, there is a concentration of red blood cells in the blood, resulting in an elevated hematocrit level. This occurs because the blood becomes more concentrated when there's less fluid volume available.

Choice A Reason:
Hct 44% is incorrect. A hematocrit (Hct) level of 44% falls within the normal range for most adults. It represents the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not typically concerning unless it significantly deviates from the normal range, indicating anemia or polycythemia.
Choice B Reason:
WBC count 5,000/mm3 is incorrect. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 5,000/mm3 falls within the normal range for adults, reflecting a normal immune response. There's usually no cause for immediate concern unless there are specific clinical symptoms or significant deviations from the normal range.
Choice C Reason:
Potassium 4.2 mEq/L is incorrect. A potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range for serum potassium levels. It's crucial to monitor potassium levels, especially with medications that can affect electrolyte balance, but this value falls within the typical range and may not prompt immediate action unless there are notable fluctuations or clinical symptoms related to potassium imbalance.
While the majority of the laboratory values provided fall within the normal range, the value that the nurse should consider reporting to the provider, particularly when a client is taking amitriptyline, is:
Choice D Reason:
Total bilirubin 1.5 mg/dL is correct. Elevated levels of total bilirubin might indicate potential liver function impairment. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, can affect liver enzymes in some individuals, causing hepatic changes. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor liver function tests, including total bilirubin, during amitriptyline therapy. An increase in bilirubin levels could signal hepatotoxicity or liver dysfunction related to the medication.