SIADH Priority Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan – devshopsimplenursing

SIADH Priority Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan

Amanda Thomas Headshot
By Amanda Thomas
Updated On May 2025
Medically Reviewed by:
Angela Slater FNP, RN
Why trust SimpleNursing
Featured Image

Jump to Sections

It usually starts with vague symptoms easy to overlook — headache, nausea, maybe some confusion. 

But behind those early signs, sodium levels are already shifting, and the brain is beginning to feel the impact. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) has a way of hiding in plain sight, which means nurses need to be one step ahead.

Recognizing and applying the right SIADH priority nursing interventions helps prevent complications and brings structure to a condition known for throwing things off balance.

What is SIADH?

SIADH is a disorder characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to: 

  • Water retention
  • Dilutional hyponatremia
  • Decreased serum osmolality

It’s commonly associated with neurologic conditions, malignancies, or certain medications.

Signs and Symptoms of SIADH

These indicators often signal the need for SIADH priority nursing interventions to prevent complications:

  • Hyponatremia (serum sodium < 135 mEq/L)
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion or altered mental status
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Seizures (in severe hyponatremia)
  • Decreased urine output with high specific gravity
  • Weight gain without edema

Nursing Process for SIADH

The nursing process for SIADH includes prompt assessment of neurologic status, fluid status, serum sodium levels, and urine output, followed by the implementation of interventions such as:

  • Fluid restriction
  • Sodium replacement
  • Patient safety monitoring

SIADH Nursing Assessment

Assessment is the foundation for safe and timely intervention in patients with SIADH. 

Since symptoms can be subtle at first, nurses need to rely on consistent monitoring and precise data to detect changes early.

The following assessments help determine when to escalate care, adjust interventions, and prioritize safety:

  • Monitor neurological status (confusion, seizures, LOC).
  • Monitor daily weights and intake/output.
  • Assess for signs of hyponatremia (muscle cramps, fatigue, headache).
  • Monitor serum sodium, osmolality, and urine specific gravity.
  • Evaluate medication history for causative agents (e.g., SSRIs, carbamazepine).

SIADH Nursing Diagnosis

In SIADH, even mild symptoms can point to serious underlying imbalances. A clear nursing diagnosis helps prioritize what to watch for and where to intervene first.

Here are the most common diagnoses: 

SIADH Priority Nursing Interventions

These interventions help stabilize sodium levels, reduce complications, and keep patients safe:

  • Implement fluid restriction (typically 800–1,000 mL/day).
  • Administer prescribed hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) cautiously if sodium <120 mEq/L.
  • Monitor lab values and neurologic status closely.
  • Elevate the head of bed (HOB) and implement seizure precautions if sodium is critically low.
  • Educate the patient and family on sodium balance and fluid limits.

Nursing Goals and Expected Outcomes for SIADH

Every intervention should tie back to a measurable goal. 

These outcomes reflect what success looks like.

  • Patient will maintain serum sodium within normal range
  • Patient will remain free from seizures or altered mental status
  • Patient will demonstrate understanding of fluid restriction
  • Patient will maintain stable weight and output consistent with fluid balance

Nursing Care Plans for SIADH

Nursing care plans provide structure when things start to shift quickly. 

Each care plan below builds off common SIADH presentations and aligns with interventions nurses can rely on.

Care Plan #1 – Fluid Volume Excess Related to Water Retention

Diagnostic Statement

Excess fluid volume related to water retention secondary to SIADH as evidenced by weight gain, low urine output, and decreased serum sodium.

Expected Outcomes

  • Patient will maintain weight within 1–2 lbs of baseline
  • Patient will demonstrate balanced intake/output
  • Serum sodium will trend toward normal

Assessment

  • Assess daily weights and fluid balance.
  • Monitor urine specific gravity and osmolality.
  • Evaluate for signs of volume overload (e.g., bounding pulse, crackles, hypertension).

Interventions

  • Enforce strict fluid restriction and document compliance.
  • Provide frequent oral care to reduce thirst.
  • Monitor IV infusions carefully (avoid hypotonic solutions).
  • Educate the patient on the purpose and importance of fluid restrictions.
  • Administer prescribed diuretics and hypertonic saline with caution if ordered.

Care Plan #2 – Risk for Electrolyte Imbalance (Hyponatremia)

Diagnostic Statement

Risk for electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia) related to excessive ADH secretion and dilution of sodium.

Expected Outcomes

  • Patient will maintain serum sodium within safe limits (>130 mEq/L).
  • Patient will report symptoms such as nausea, confusion, or headache promptly.

Assessment

  • Monitor serum sodium and osmolality every four to six hours initially.
  • Assess for neurologic symptoms of hyponatremia.
  • Review medications that may affect sodium levels.

Interventions

  • Limit free water intake and provide education about foods high in sodium.
  • Administer salt tablets or IV hypertonic saline if ordered.
  • Collaborate with the provider and pharmacy on safe correction of sodium (not to exceed 10–12 mEq/L in 24 hours).
  • Avoid rapid correction to prevent osmotic demyelination syndrome.
  • Educate the patient and family on recognizing the early symptoms of sodium imbalance.

Care Plan #3 – Risk for Confusion Related to Hyponatremia

Diagnostic Statement

Risk for confusion related to altered sodium levels secondary to SIADH.

Expected Outcomes

  • Patient will maintain orientation to person, place, and time
  • Patient will demonstrate improved cognition as sodium normalizes

Assessment

  • Monitor the level of consciousness and cognitive function during each shift.
  • Ask orientation questions regularly.
  • Assess for new-onset confusion, irritability, or restlessness.

Interventions

  • Implement seizure precautions and fall prevention strategies.
  • Maintain a calm environment and minimize overstimulation.
  • Reorient patient frequently using clocks, calendars, and family photos.
  • Collaborate with the provider to adjust fluid and sodium replacement safely.
  • Monitor sodium correction closely to prevent rebound cerebral edema.

Patient Education and Discharge Planning

Education doesn’t stop at the bedside. 

Clear communication helps patients and families continue safe practices at home. This includes explaining why SIADH priority nursing interventions matter and how to spot problems early.

  • Explain the disease process in simple terms (water retention → low sodium → symptoms).
  • Stress the importance of fluid restriction and adherence.
  • Teach signs of worsening hyponatremia (nausea, headache, confusion, seizures).
  • Review home sodium monitoring if ordered and the medication regimen.
  • Recommend a medical alert ID bracelet in case of emergencies.
  • Instruct when to seek emergency help (seizures, severe confusion).

Recommended Resources on SIADH

For further information and clinical updates on SIADH management, these resources are helpful for students and practicing nurses:

Nursing Care Plan Resources

Putting Priorities Into Practice

Caring for patients with SIADH requires focus, fast thinking, and a clear understanding of what matters most in the moment. 

Fluid restriction, close neurologic monitoring, and careful sodium correction are part of a structured response that helps prevent serious complications. By staying alert to subtle changes and responding with interventions, nurses can provide timely and effective care.

References and Sources