A nurse is teaching a client with central diabetes insipidus who is prescribed desmopressin. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
1I will drink at least 3 liters of water daily even if my urine output decreases.
2I will weigh myself daily and report headache, confusion, nausea, or sudden weight gain.✓ Correct answer
3I can stop desmopressin once my thirst and frequent urination have resolved.
4A urine output near 8 liters each day means the prescribed dose is effective.
Explanation
Desmopressin promotes water retention and can cause water intoxication and hyponatremia. Daily weight and intake-output monitoring help identify excess fluid retention, while headache, nausea, confusion, or sudden weight gain should be reported promptly. Forcing large amounts of fluid can increase the risk. Symptom improvement does not mean endogenous antidiuretic hormone production has recovered, and persistent very high urine output suggests inadequate control rather than effectiveness.
Clinical reasoning summary Desmopressin can cause excessive water retention and hyponatremia. Teach daily weight and intake-output monitoring and prompt reporting of headache, nausea, confusion, or sudden weight gain. Do not stop the medication or force fluids without provider guidance.