Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus (DI). Which data warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
A sodium level of 185 mEq/L indicates severe hypernatremia, a dangerous complication of diabetes insipidus resulting from massive water loss. This level can cause neurological damage, seizures, and coma requiring immediate intervention. Tachycardia and dry skin are signs of dehydration but less critical than this extreme electrolyte imbalance. Polyuria and thirst are expected findings in diabetes insipidus but don't indicate immediate danger at this level.