A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with SIADH. What severe complication should the nurse assess for?

a. Stroke
b. Diabetes insipidus
c. Neurologic damage
d. Renal failure

ANS: C
When the hyponatremia of SIADH becomes severe, 110-115 milliequivalents per liter, confusion, lethargy, muscle twitching, convulsions, and severe and sometimes irreversible neurologic dam-age may occur. Neither stroke, diabetes insipidus, nor renal failure is associated with SIADH.