The Standard Treatment for Diabetes Insipidus

Endocrine · Question from the ATI RN Medical-Surgical 2023 Proctored Exam study set

Correct answer: B. Desmopressin

Why this is the answer

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic form of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that replaces what the body is failing to produce or respond to in Diabetes Insipidus, correcting the massive fluid loss. Insulin (A) treats diabetes mellitus, a completely different condition involving blood glucose, not water balance — the similar name is a common source of confusion. Furosemide (C) is a diuretic that would worsen fluid loss, the opposite of what this patient needs. Metformin (D) is also a diabetes mellitus medication and has no role in ADH replacement.

The bigger concept

Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus share a name but are unrelated conditions — DI is a water-balance/ADH problem, while DM is a glucose/insulin problem. This naming overlap is a deliberate exam trap worth remembering.

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