- Decreased risk of injury,
- Decreased risk of infection,
- Increased ability to carry out self-care activities,
- Improved skin integrity,
- Improved body image,
- Improved mental function, and
- Absence of complications
Interventions
- Decrease risk of injury; establish a protective environment; assist as needed;
encourage diet high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
- Decrease risk of infection; avoid exposure to infections, assess patient carefully as
corticosteroids mask signs of infection.
- Plan and space rest and activity.
- Meticulous skin care and frequent, careful skin assessment.
- Explanation to the patient and family about causes of emotional instability.
- Patient teaching.
Diabetes Insipidus
- A disorder of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that is characterized by a
deficiency of ADH (vasopressin). Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and large volumes of
dilute urine.
- It may occur secondary to head trauma, brain tumor, or surgical ablation or irradiation
of the pituitary gland, infections of the central nervous system or with tumors
- Another cause of diabetes insipidus is failure of the renal tubules to respond to ADH
Medical Management
- The objectives of therapy are.
- to replace ADH (which is usually a long-term therapeutic program),
- to ensure adequate fluid replacement, and
- to identify and correct the underlying intracranial pathology.