A 66-year-old client has been complaining of sleeping more, increased urination, anorexia, weakness, irritability, depression, and bone pain that interferes with her going outdoors. Based on these assessment findings, the nurse would suspect which of the following disorders?
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Diabetes insipidus
C. Hypoparathyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism
Correct Answer: D. Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is most common in older women and is characterized by bone pain and weakness from excess parathyroid hormone (PTH). Clients also exhibit hypercalciuria-causing polyuria.
Option A: Common symptoms of diabetes mellitus include polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia
Option B: While clients with diabetes insipidus also have polyuria, they don’t have bone pain and increased sleeping.
Option C: Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by urinary frequency rather than polyuria.