A client is suffering from diabetes mellitus. Which of the following symptoms indicate hyperglycemia?

JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

The classic symptoms of hyperglycemia are known as the '3 Ps': Polyuria, Polydipsia, and Polyphagia.
Polyuria (frequent urination) occurs because excess glucose in the blood spills into the urine, pulling water with it through osmotic diuresis.
Polydipsia (excessive thirst) is a direct result of the dehydration caused by polyuria.
Polyphagia (excessive hunger) happens because, despite high blood glucose, the cells cannot take in the glucose for energy without insulin, leading to cellular starvation.

Option A: These are classic symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), not hyperglycemia. The body's response to low glucose includes sweating, dizziness, and hunger.
Option B: While headache and blurred vision can occur with hyperglycemia, they are not the most specific or classic initial symptoms. Nausea can also be present, especially as hyperglycemia progresses towards diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Option D: These symptoms are signs of fluid overload and are contrary to the effects of hyperglycemia. Oliguria (decreased urine output) is the opposite of polyuria.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the '3 Ps' is a critical nursing assessment skill for identifying uncontrolled or newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent complications like Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
Patient education is crucial. Nurses must teach diabetic clients and their families to recognize these symptoms as a sign of high blood sugar and to know when to check blood glucose levels and seek medical help.
What if the client presented with confusion, sweating, and slurred speech? These are signs of severe hypoglycemia, a medical emergency requiring immediate administration of a fast-acting carbohydrate, which is the opposite treatment for hyperglycemia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the symptoms of hyperglycemia in a person with diabetes.
Recall the classic triad of symptoms associated with high blood sugar. A useful mnemonic is the '3 Ps'.
Evaluate each option against this knowledge.
Option A (Diaphoresis, dizziness) points towards hypoglycemia.
Option B (Headache, blurred vision) are possible but not the primary, classic signs.
Option C lists the '3 Ps': Polyuria (much urine), Polydipsia (much thirst), and Polyphagia (much hunger). This directly matches the classic presentation.

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