Physical+Assessment

===Although diabetes insipidus (DI) usually occurs acutely, physical findings are not always easily evident. DI can be seen in patients with head trauma, tumor growth, CNS infection, renal damage, drug complications or after intracranial surgery. Changes to the renal system or the portions of the brain which control ADH functions (pituitary gland or hypothalamus) can also cause physical changes. Interference with the ADH/renal system affects the body's fluid volume from excessive urination (polyuria) which leads to hypovolemia, and is the main concern for someone with DI (Lewis et. al., 2011). ===

===When the patient loses large amounts of fluid volume and intake with reabsorption is not sufficient, classic signs of fluid volume deficit may occur. Physical assessment findings for hypovolemia include weight loss, constipation and hypotension, tachycardia and possibly shock (Lewis et. al., 2011). Dry lips and mouth, excessive thirst and poor skin turgor are also common findings in someone with DI. Although dehydration is a common physical sign that can be a seen with a physical assessment of the patient, urine may remain clear from excessive polydipsia (excessive thirst), when normally one would associate dark urine with dehydration. While DI is not the only cause of hypovolemia, the dehydration along with clear urine could be a physical finding which could cue one to possible DI (Sommers, 2011). ===