A client with head trauma develops a urine output of 300 ml/hr, dry skin, and dry mucous membranes. Which of the following nursing interventions is the most appropriate to perform initially?
Correct Answer: Evaluate urine specific gravity
Description: Urine output of 300 ml/hr may indicate diabetes insipidus, which is a failure of the pituitary to produce the anti-diuretic hormone. This may occur with increased intracranial pressure and head trauma; the nurse evaluates for low urine specific gravity, increased serum osmolarity, and dehydration.
Option B: There’s no evidence that the client is experiencing renal failure.
Option C: Providing emollients to prevent skin breakdown is important, but doesn’t need to be performed immediately.
Option D: Slowing the rate of IV fluid would contribute to dehydration when polyuria is present.
Category:
Medicine
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now