A nurse is providing care for a client who has diabetes insipidus (DI). Which of the following is a cause of acquired central diabetes insipidus?
Hypokalemia
Surgery
Renal failure
Sickle cell disease
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not a direct cause of central diabetes insipidus. Central diabetes insipidus is primarily related to issues with the production or release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Hypokalemia can affect kidney function but does not typically cause central diabetes insipidus.
Choice B Reason:
Surgery, particularly brain surgery, can cause central diabetes insipidus by damaging the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. These structures are crucial for the production and release of ADH, which regulates water balance in the body. Damage to these areas during surgery can lead to a deficiency in ADH, resulting in central diabetes insipidus.
Choice C Reason:
Renal failure is not a cause of central diabetes insipidus. While renal failure affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and balance fluids, central diabetes insipidus is related to a deficiency in ADH production or release. Renal failure can lead to other types of diabetes insipidus, such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where the kidneys do not respond properly to ADH.
Choice D Reason:
Sickle cell disease is not a direct cause of central diabetes insipidus. Sickle cell disease primarily affects red blood cells and can lead to various complications, including kidney damage. However, it does not typically cause central diabetes insipidus, which is related to issues with ADH production or release.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypertension is not directly caused by hypokalemia. While potassium levels can influence blood pressure, hypokalemia is more critically associated with cardiac issues rather than hypertension alone.
Choice B reason: Ketosis is a metabolic state resulting from the body burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. It is not directly related to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia does not cause ketosis, and monitoring for ketosis in a client with hypokalemia is not a priority.
Choice C reason: Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. While potassium levels can affect insulin secretion and action, hypokalemia is not primarily associated with insulin resistance. Therefore, it is not the main concern for a nurse monitoring a client with hypokalemia.
Choice D reason: Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant concern in clients with hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for proper cardiac function, and low levels can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. This is why monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias is essential in clients with hypokalemia.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
This statement is incorrect because a hemoglobin A1C level of 9% indicates that the client’s blood sugar levels have been consistently high over the past two to three months. Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of average blood glucose levels, not low blood sugar levels. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to suggest that the client has dangerously low blood sugar levels based on this result.
Choice B Reason:
This statement is correct because a hemoglobin A1C level of 9% indicates that the client’s average blood sugar levels are high. Hemoglobin A1C reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, while an A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and an A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. Therefore, an A1C level of 9% clearly shows that the client’s average blood sugar is high.
Choice C Reason:
This statement is partially correct but not the most appropriate. While it is true that a high hemoglobin A1C level can indicate that blood sugar levels are high after meals, it is not specific enough. Hemoglobin A1C measures the average blood glucose levels over a period of time, not just after meals. Therefore, the statement “Your average blood sugar is high” is more accurate and appropriate.
Choice D Reason:
This statement is incorrect because it is too vague and does not provide specific information about the client’s blood sugar levels. While a high hemoglobin A1C level can indicate variability in blood sugar levels, it primarily reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to state that the client’s average blood sugar is high.
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