If a patient treated with desmopressin exhibits confusion and drowsiness, what is the nurse's best action?

Taking the client's vital signs is a critical first step when a patient exhibits confusion and drowsiness after receiving desmopressin. Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and is primarily used to manage conditions such as diabetes insipidus and certain bleeding disorders.

In cases where confusion and drowsiness arise, it is essential to assess the patient's overall status, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Changes in vital signs can indicate underlying problems such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, or other complications. For instance, desmopressin may lead to water retention, which can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels), potentially resulting in neurological symptoms such as confusion or drowsiness.

Establishing the patient's vital signs can provide immediate data to determine whether the confusion is related to fluid imbalance or any other acute condition requiring urgent intervention. Once vital signs are measured, the nurse can make a more informed decision about further action based on the findings. Therefore, assessing vital signs is the most appropriate and immediate action in this scenario.