A nurse is caring for a patient with a head injury who has developed diabetes insipidus and is receiving desmopressin. The nurse understands the therapeutic outcome is a decrease in:

Specific gravity.

Level of consciousness.

Urine output.

Blood pressure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

A decrease in specific gravity is not the primary therapeutic outcome of desmopressin in the treatment of diabetes insipidus. Desmopressin works by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in urine output and an increase in urine concentration, reflected by an increase, not a decrease, in specific gravity.

Choice B reason:

A decrease in the level of consciousness is not an intended therapeutic outcome and would be concerning if observed. Desmopressin aims to control symptoms of diabetes insipidus, not alter the patient’s mental status.

Choice C reason:

A decrease in urine output is the primary therapeutic outcome of desmopressin in a patient with diabetes insipidus. Desmopressin mimics the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to increased water reabsorption in the kidneys and reduced urine volume.

Choice D reason:

Desmopressin does not primarily aim to decrease blood pressure. Its main effect is on water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine output. While it can have some impact on blood pressure, this is not its primary therapeutic outcome.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Monitoring sodium levels is important when administering mannitol, but it is not the primary indicator of the drug's effectiveness. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure, and its effectiveness is better assessed by other means.

Choice B reason:

Fluid intake is important to monitor to ensure proper hydration status, but it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of mannitol. The primary focus should be on the patient's output to assess the diuretic effect.

Choice C reason:

Heart rate monitoring is essential for overall patient care but does not directly indicate the effectiveness of mannitol. Changes in heart rate can occur due to various factors and are not specific to mannitol's action.

Choice D reason:

Urine output is the most direct measure of mannitol's effectiveness. As an osmotic diuretic, mannitol promotes diuresis, and increased urine output indicates that the drug is effectively reducing intracranial pressure.

A. Young adults ages 12-20. B. Young men ages 16-30. C. Children ages 2-15. D. Elderly people ages 60 and up.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Young adults ages 12-20 are at risk for spinal cord injuries due to sports and recreational activities. However, the highest risk group for spinal cord injuries, particularly from activities such as motor vehicle accidents and risky behaviors, is young men ages 16-30.

Choice B reason:

Young men ages 16-30 are the highest risk group for spinal cord injuries. This population is more likely to engage in high-risk activities such as driving, contact sports, and recreational activities that can lead to spinal cord injuries. Therefore, they would benefit most from targeted prevention education.

Choice C reason:

Children ages 2-15 are at risk for spinal cord injuries, particularly from falls and accidents. However, their risk is lower compared to the young adult male population. Education for this group is important but not as critical as for young men.

Choice D reason:

Elderly people ages 60 and up are at risk for spinal cord injuries, primarily from falls. While prevention education is important for this group, they are not the highest risk population compared to young men ages 16-30.

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A nurse is caring for a patient with a head injury who has developed diabetes insipidus and is receiving desmopressin. The nurse understands the therapeutic outcome is a decrease in:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

To evaluate the effectiveness of mannitol, the nurse should monitor:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

As a community health nurse, you are planning to conduct an education session on prevention strategies for spinal cord injuries. Which population would benefit most from this education?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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