One of the common features of hyperglycemia is?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Explanation

Hyperglycemia causes osmotic diuresis, where excess glucose in the urine pulls large volumes of water with it, leading to systemic dehydration.
This dehydration is a key reason for the classic sign of hot, dry skin.
Other cardinal signs of hyperglycemia include polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and sometimes polyphagia (excessive hunger).

Option A: Tremors are a hallmark neurogenic sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Option B: Early hyperglycemia often causes polyphagia (increased hunger). Anorexia (loss of appetite) is more typical of later, severe complications like Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
Option D: While dehydration and electrolyte shifts from hyperglycemia can lead to cramps, it is not a primary or defining symptom compared to hot, dry skin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is a critical nursing skill, as they require opposite interventions and misidentification can be life-threatening.
A 'hot and dry, sugar high' presentation indicates a need for hydration and insulin, whereas a 'cold and clammy, need some candy' presentation requires immediate administration of glucose.
What if? If the patient presented with cool, clammy skin and confusion, the priority action would be to provide a rapid source of sugar (like juice or glucose gel) and check blood glucose, as these are signs of severe hypoglycemia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept: the question asks for a common feature of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Recall the pathophysiology of hyperglycemia. High glucose acts as an osmotic diuretic, causing dehydration.
Evaluate each option against this pathophysiology. 'Hot & Dry Skin' is a direct result of dehydration.
Consider the other options. 'Tremors' is a classic sign of the opposite condition, hypoglycemia. 'Anorexia' and 'muscle cramps' are less specific or secondary signs.
Use the mnemonic 'Hot and dry, sugar high' to confirm the correct association.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 755-757

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1136-1138

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.