title: Diabetes insipidus and spinal cord injury: a challenging combination.
abstract: Diabetes insipidus is a life-threatening condition in which the kidneys excrete huge quantities of diluted urine. Diabetes insipidus as a sequela of head trauma is unusual, but not rare. When it arises in conjunction with a spinal cord injury (SCI), diabetes insipidus not only is life threatening but also raises challenges for bladder retraining. This article describes the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of diabetes insipidus. A case study is used to demonstrate the patient course and nursing implications, with emphasis on two nursing diagnoses: fluid volume deficit and alterations in urinary elimination.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Closson
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Swift
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003919:Diabetes Insipidus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*