A patient receiving desmopressin exhibits confusion and headache. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

In situations where a patient exhibits confusion and headache while receiving desmopressin, taking the client's vital signs is a critical nursing intervention. Monitoring vital signs can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall condition, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. These vital signs can help identify if the confusion and headache are related to underlying issues such as fluid retention or changes in electrolyte levels.

Desmopressin, which is used to manage conditions like diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis, can cause water retention leading to hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which might contribute to confusion and headaches. By assessing vital signs, the nurse can determine if the patient is hypotensive or exhibiting tachycardia, which could indicate fluid overload or other complications. This initial assessment is crucial for guiding further nursing interventions or notifying a physician for potential adjustment of treatment.

Encouraging increased oral fluid intake might exacerbate fluid retention and worsen symptoms, while administering the next dose of desmopressin without assessing the patient's current condition could lead to further complications. Holding the prescribed diuretic may or may not be appropriate without knowing the full clinical picture, as diuretics might be necessary to manage fluid overload. Thus, measuring