Author Question: A patient with diabetes insipidus is taking desmopressin (DDAVP). He or she is complaining of ... (Read 109 times)

scienceeasy · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient with diabetes insipidus is taking desmopressin (DDAVP). He or she is complaining of drowsiness, lightheadedness, and headache. What does the nurse suspect that he is experiencing?

A) An allergic reaction
B) Dehydration
C) Depression
D) Water intoxication

Question 2

A nurse is preparing a drug for administration to a patient. The drug does not have an indicated use for the patient's medical diagnosis. What should the nurse do?

A) Administer the drug as ordered.
B) Question the prescriber concerning the ordered drug.
C) Ask a coworker his or her thoughts about the ordered drug for the patient.
D) Ask the patient why the drug has been prescribed for him or her.

yeungji · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
The adverse effects associated with the use of desmopressin include water intoxication (drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, coma, convulsions) related to the shift to water retention and resulting electrolyte imbalance. An allergic reaction, dehydration, or depression would not be associated with these symptoms and desmopressin.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
If the nurse is not sure about giving a drug, the order should be questioned. The nurse should never give a medication that is not clear. Mistakes do happen and the drug ordered, if not approved for the condition that the patient has, could be an error on someone's part. The person who wrote the order should be questioned, not a co worker, who probably does not know why an off-label drug is being used. It would be unprofessional and inappropriate to ask the patient about the drug.