The other name for diaphoresis is

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Explanation

Diaphoresis is the specific medical term used to describe profuse, excessive, or abnormal sweating.
It is a physiological response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the sweat glands.
While it can be a normal reaction to heat or exercise, in a clinical context, it often signals an underlying disease process or medical emergency.

Option A: Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness.
Option B: High fever is an elevated body temperature.
Option D: Diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal symptom involving frequent, loose, or watery stools.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology: Diaphoresis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing diaphoresis is crucial for nurses as it can be an early sign of life-threatening emergencies like a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
A patient presenting with diaphoresis, chest pain, and shortness of breath requires immediate assessment for a cardiac event.
What if? If a diabetic patient on insulin reports feeling sweaty and shaky (diaphoretic), the priority nursing action changes from general assessment to immediately checking their blood glucose level, as these are classic signs of hypoglycemia.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'diaphoresis'.
Recall the definition of diaphoresis from your studies, which is the medical term for sweating.
Evaluate each option to find the synonym or correct definition. 'Profuse sweating' directly matches the definition.
Eliminate the incorrect options by recalling their definitions or associated medical terms (e.g., fainting is syncope, high fever is hyperpyrexia).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1677-1679

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 187-189

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

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