A client being treated with desmopressin exhibits confusion and drowsiness. What is the nurse's best action?

In cases where a client being treated with desmopressin exhibits confusion and drowsiness, taking the client's vital signs is crucial. Monitoring vital signs can provide immediate information about the client's physiological status, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, which are essential for assessing the severity of their condition and determining the next steps in care.

Confusion and drowsiness could indicate a possible adverse reaction, such as water retention or changes in electrolyte balance, particularly sodium levels. By evaluating the vital signs, the nurse can gather relevant data that might indicate the need for further intervention, such as treatment for potential hyponatremia or fluid overload, rather than making immediate assumptions about the cause of the symptoms.

Understanding the client's vital signs puts the nurse in a better position to communicate findings to the physician or to decide on the appropriate course of action. Critical information obtained from vital signs can guide further nursing interventions or the urgency of notifying the physician.