Final answer:
To assess the effectiveness of desmopressin for diabetes insipidus, a nurse would monitor urine output, urine concentration, blood plasma osmolarity, and electrolyte levels, as these will indicate improved water reabsorption and balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Monitoring the Effectiveness of Desmopressin for Diabetes Insipidus
To evaluate the effectiveness of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) in a client with diabetes insipidus, a nurse would monitor various parameters. Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by a chronic underproduction of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin, which is produced in the hypothalamus and controls water reabsorption in the kidneys. The main symptoms of diabetes insipidus include excessive urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia), leading to an increased water intake.
Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of ADH that helps the kidneys to conserve water and reduce urine production. After administration, the nurse should monitor the client's urine output, checking for a decrease in frequency and an increase in concentration. This would indicate more water is being reabsorbed into the bloodstream rather than excreted. Additionally, monitoring of blood plasma osmolarity can be helpful, as effective treatment should decrease solute concentration due to better water retention. Electrolyte levels should also be checked regularly to identify any imbalances, common in severe cases of diabetes insipidus.