Following hypophysectomy, a client reports being very thirsty and urinating frequently. What is the initial nursing action?

Following hypophysectomy, a client reports being very thirsty and urinating frequently. What is the initial nursing action?

• A. Document the complaints.
• B. Check for urinary glucose.
• C. Increase the client's fluid intake.
• D. Check the urine specific gravity.

Answer: (D)

After a hypophysectomy, there is a significant risk of diabetes insipidus due to reduced antidiuretic hormone production. The first nursing action is to assess the urine’s concentration by checking the urine specific gravity. A low specific gravity indicates dilute urine, which is a hallmark of diabetes insipidus and requires prompt monitoring and intervention. Simply documenting the complaints doesn’t give objective data to guide care, and increasing fluid intake without confirming DI could worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. While checking urinary glucose can help rule out other causes like diabetes mellitus, it isn’t the most immediate test in this postoperative scenario. Measuring specific gravity provides the quickest, most informative clue to guide urgent management.

After a hypophysectomy, there is a significant risk of diabetes insipidus due to reduced antidiuretic hormone production. The first nursing action is to assess the urine’s concentration by checking the urine specific gravity. A low specific gravity indicates dilute urine, which is a hallmark of diabetes insipidus and requires prompt monitoring and intervention. Simply documenting the complaints doesn’t give objective data to guide care, and increasing fluid intake without confirming DI could worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. While checking urinary glucose can help rule out other causes like diabetes mellitus, it isn’t the most immediate test in this postoperative scenario. Measuring specific gravity provides the quickest, most informative clue to guide urgent management.