When assessing a patient diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, what symptom does the nurse know is most indicative of this disorder?
Fatigue.
Polydipsia
Weight gain.
Diarrhea.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Fatigue is incorrect because, although patients with diabetes insipidus (DI) may experience fatigue, this symptom is nonspecific. Fatigue can result from many conditions, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, chronic illness, or sleep disturbances. In DI, fatigue may develop secondary to fluid and electrolyte loss, but it is not a primary or diagnostic feature of the disorder.
B. Polydipsia is correct because it is the most indicative and classic symptom of DI. Diabetes insipidus results from either a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also called vasopressin) in central DI or the kidneys’ inability to respond to ADH in nephrogenic DI. Without adequate ADH activity, the kidneys cannot concentrate urine, leading to the excretion of large volumes of dilute urine (polyuria), sometimes up to 3–20 liters per day in severe cases. The body attempts to compensate for this fluid loss by triggering intense thirst (polydipsia), often resulting in the patient drinking large amounts of water to prevent dehydration. Polydipsia is thus a hallmark symptom and a key diagnostic clue for DI.
C. Weight gain is incorrect because the fluid loss associated with DI typically causes weight loss rather than gain. Patients may have decreased body mass due to the ongoing loss of water and potential electrolyte depletion. Weight gain is not associated with DI unless there is excessive water intake beyond renal capacity, which is uncommon.
D. Diarrhea is incorrect because DI affects renal water reabsorption, not gastrointestinal function. Diarrhea is unrelated to the pathophysiology of DI and may indicate a separate gastrointestinal issue rather than the endocrine disorder itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Take temperatures rectal to increase accuracy is incorrect because rectal temperatures can cause trauma and bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. Non-invasive methods, such as oral, axillary, or tympanic temperatures, are preferred to minimize the risk of bleeding.
B. Assess fluids for occult blood is correct because patients with coagulopathy are at high risk for internal bleeding, which may not be immediately visible. Testing for occult blood in urine or stool allows for early detection of gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding.
C. Weigh dressing to assess blood loss is correct because accurate measurement of blood loss is essential in patients with bleeding disorders. Weighing dressings provides objective data on the amount of blood lost, which guides fluid replacement, transfusions, and treatment decisions.
D. Observe for oozing and bleeding and remove clots that form is incorrect because removing clots can worsen bleeding. The nurse should observe clots and allow them to stabilize while monitoring for excessive bleeding.
E. Limit invasive procedures is correct because minimizing invasive procedures reduces the risk of bleeding. Any necessary procedures should be performed carefully with appropriate preparation and monitoring, including applying pressure and using hemostatic techniques as needed.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administration of naloxone is incorrect because naloxone is an opioid antagonist used for opioid overdose, not for AMI. It has no role in managing myocardial ischemia.
B. Administration of aspirin is correct because aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing further clot formation in a coronary artery. Early administration of aspirin in suspected AMI improves outcomes and reduces mortality.
C. Oxygen therapy is correct because oxygen is given to increase oxygen delivery to ischemic myocardium, particularly in patients who are hypoxic, have dyspnea, or show signs of heart failure. Routine oxygen is reserved for patients with SpO₂ < 94%, per current guidelines.
D. Administration of morphine is correct because morphine relieves severe chest pain and reduces sympathetic stimulation, which can decrease myocardial oxygen demand. Morphine also helps alleviate anxiety associated with AMI.
E. Dopamine infusion is incorrect as a first-line intervention for AMI unless the patient has hemodynamic instability such as hypotension with poor perfusion. Dopamine is a vasopressor and inotrope, not routinely indicated for stable AMI management.
F. Administration of nitroglycerin is correct because nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving myocardial perfusion and reducing ischemic chest pain. It also reduces preload and myocardial oxygen demand. Care is needed in patients with hypotension or right ventricular infarction.
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