Exam, 9e with complete
verified solutions
A nurse is assessing a client who has had cranial surgery and is at
risk for development of diabetes insipidus. The nurse would assess
for which signs or symptoms that could indicate development of this
complication?
1. Diarrhea
2. Infection
3. Polydipsia
4. Weight gain - answer 3. Polydipsia
Polydipsia and polyuria are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
The urine is pale, and the specific gravity is low. Diarrhea is not
indicative of the complication. Infection is not associated with
diabetes insipidus. Anorexia and weight loss also may occur.
A client has undergone a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Which of the listed glucose levels is compatible with diabetes
mellitus at the conclusion of the test?
1. 80 mg/dL (4.57 mmol/L)
2. 110 mg/dL (6.0 mmol/L)
3. 130 mg/dL (7.42 mmol/L)
4. 160 mg/dL (9.14 mmol/L) - answer 4. 160 mg/dL (9.14 mmol/L)
The normal reference values for OGTTs are lower than 140 mg/dL (8
mmol/L) at 120 minutes; lower than 200 mg/dL (11.4 mmol/L) at 30,
60, and 90 minutes; and lower than 115 mg/dL (6.57 mmol/L) in the
fasting state. A glucose level of 160 mg/dL (9.14 mmol/L) is higher
than the normal reference range
, The nurse caring for a client who underwent intracranial surgery is
suspected of having diabetes insipidus. Which finding noted by the
nurse is consistent with this complication of surgery?
1. Complaints of excessive thirst
2. Urine specific gravity of 1.030
3. Urine output of 10 to 15 mL/hour
4. Systolic blood pressures running consistently over 150 mm Hg -
answer 1. Complaints of excessive thirst
Diabetes insipidus results from insufficient antidiuretic hormone
(ADH) production, which in this case was caused by the intracranial
surgery. Findings associated with diabetes insipidus include greatly
increased urine output, low urine specific gravity (<1.005),
hypotension, signs of dehydration, increased plasma osmolarity,
increased thirst, and output that does not decrease when fluid
intake decreases. A complaint of thirst is the only option consistent
with diabetes insipidus.
The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative from
abdominal hysterectomy. The client has a history of diabetes
mellitus and has been receiving regular insulin based on capillary
blood glucose testing 4 times a day. A carbohydrate-controlled diet
has been prescribed, but the client has not been eating. On entering
the client's room, the nurse finds the client to be pale and
diaphoretic. Which action is appropriate at this time?
1. Call a code to obtain needed assistance immediately.
2. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level and quickly perform a
focused assessment.
3. Ask the assistive personnel (AP) to stay with the client while
obtaining a carbohydrate snack for the client to eat.
4. Stay with the client and ask the AP to call the primary health care
provider (PHCP) for a prescription for intravenous 50% dextrose. -
answer 2. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level and quickly perform
a focused assessment.