Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and a sodium level of 123 mEq/L. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Restrict fluid intake to 1,000 ml per day. In SIADH, there is excessive release of ADH leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. Limiting fluid intake helps prevent further water retention and dilution of sodium levels, aiming to increase serum sodium concentration. Providing a low sodium diet (choice A) may not be sufficient to correct the low sodium level quickly. Administering desmopressin acetate (choice C) further increases ADH release and worsens the condition. Maintaining an IV of 0.45% sodium chloride (choice D) may lead to rapid correction of sodium levels, which can cause osmotic demyelination syndrome.