Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has diabetes insipidus and a new prescription for desmopressin nasal spray. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

1) Use the nasal spray once daily in the morning.
2) Use the nasal spray twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
3) Use the nasal spray as needed for symptoms of excessive thirst and urination.
4) Use the nasal spray only when experiencing a flare-up of symptoms.

Answer 1

A nurse should instruct a patient with diabetes insipidus on the prescribed frequency of desmopressin nasal spray usage, which is typically more than once a day, to control symptoms and prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes insipidus who has a new prescription for desmopressin nasal spray should include instructions on how frequently to use the nasal spray. The correct schedule for desmopressin administration is specific to each patient and should be determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient's individual needs. However, it is typically used more than once a day and not merely as needed or during flare-ups. The nurse should explain that the medication is crucial for controlling the symptoms of diabetes insipidus, such as excessive thirst and urination, by helping the kidneys retain water and thereby preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should also educate the patient on the importance of adhering to the prescribed treatment regimen.