What is the primary finding a nurse should expect in a client with diabetes insipidus?

In a client with diabetes insipidus, the primary expectation is dehydration. This condition is characterized by an inability to concentrate urine due to insufficient levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive urination (polyuria). As the body loses large volumes of dilute urine, the client becomes increasingly dehydrated if fluid intake does not adequately compensate for this loss.

Due to the significant fluid loss, clients often exhibit signs of dehydration such as increased thirst (polydipsia) and potential electrolyte imbalances. While conditions like polyphagia, hyperglycemia, and bradycardia may occur in other health contexts or conditions, they are not primary findings associated specifically with diabetes insipidus. The focus on dehydration in this scenario emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and management of fluid intake in clients diagnosed with this disorder.