Question

A client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is admitted with hyponatremia. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care to protect the client from injury?

A. administer hypertonic IV fluids as prescribed
B. Limit fluid Intake
Assess neurological status every 8 hours
Initiate seizure precautions

Answer 1

The most important intervention for protecting a client with SIADH from injury is to limit fluid intake. Assessing neurological status and initiating seizure precautions are also crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important intervention for protecting a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) from injury is to limit fluid intake. SIADH causes excessive retention of water in the body, leading to hyponatremia (low sodium levels). By limiting fluid intake, the nurse can help regulate the client's water balance and prevent further dilution of sodium in the bloodstream, which can cause neurological symptoms and increase the risk of injury.

Administering hypertonic IV fluids as prescribed may seem like a logical choice to correct hyponatremia, but it can be dangerous if not carefully monitored. The abrupt correction of sodium levels can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome, a severe neurological complication. Therefore, limiting fluid intake is the most important intervention.

In addition to limiting fluid intake, it is also essential for the nurse to assess the neurological status every 8 hours and initiate seizure precautions. These actions are necessary because hyponatremia can cause neurological symptoms, such as confusion and seizures.