What assessment indicates that desmopressin is effective in a client with diabetes insipidus?

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which is effective in treating diabetes insipidus by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys. In patients with diabetes insipidus, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine adequately, resulting in excessive urine output and low urine specific gravity due to diluted urine.

One of the primary indications that desmopressin is effective in a client with diabetes insipidus is a decrease in urine output. When the medication works effectively, it helps the kidneys reabsorb more water, leading to a reduction in urine production. This decrease in urine output is indicative of improved water retention, thus confirming that the treatment is having the desired effect.

Monitoring urine specific gravity can also provide insight into treatment effectiveness; however, in this case, an increase in urine specific gravity—which typically indicates more concentrated urine—would reflect effective treatment. The option regarding urine output directly assesses the physiological impact of desmopressin on the client’s condition, making it the most relevant indicator of effectiveness in this scenario.