A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetes insipidus. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Bradycardia is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. This condition is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or renal insensitivity to ADH, leading to excessive water loss. Bradycardia is more often linked to electrolyte imbalances such as hyperkalemia or certain cardiac conduction abnormalities. In diabetes insipidus, the main cardiovascular concern is tachycardia due to hypovolemia, not bradycardia. Choice B reason: Polyphagia is a hallmark symptom of diabetes mellitus, particularly when hyperglycemia is uncontrolled, because cells are starved of glucose despite high serum levels. In diabetes insipidus, however, the problem is not glucose metabolism but water regulation. Patients experience polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination), but not polyphagia. Thus, this finding is not expected in diabetes insipidus. Choice C reason: Hyperglycemia is not a feature of diabetes insipidus. The name "diabetes" in both diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus refers to excessive urination, but the underlying pathophysiology differs. Diabetes mellitus involves impaired glucose regulation, while diabetes insipidus involves impaired water reabsorption due to ADH deficiency or renal resistance. Therefore, hyperglycemia is irrelevant in diabetes insipidus and would not be expected. Choice D reason: Dehydration is the hallmark finding in diabetes insipidus. Because the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine in the absence of ADH activity, patients excrete large volumes of dilute urine. This leads to significant fluid loss, hypovolemia, and dehydration if fluid intake does not match output. Clinical signs include dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, hypotension, tachycardia, and intense thirst. This is the expected finding and the correct answer.