Question

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a recent head trauma and a urine output of 600 mL/hr. The nurse suspects the client has manifestations of diabetes insipidus (DI). Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse plan to obtain to monitor for DI?

a) Serum sodium level
b) Blood glucose level
c) Serum potassium level
d) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Answer 1

To monitor for diabetes insipidus in a client with recent head trauma and excessive urine output, the nurse should obtain the serum sodium level for testing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should plan to obtain the serum sodium level to monitor for diabetes insipidus (DI) in a client with recent head trauma and a urine output of 600 mL/hr. Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by insufficient pituitary antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release or insufficient numbers of ADH receptors in the kidney. This results in reduced water absorption and the production of high volumes of dilute urine.