What are the main symptoms of a patient with Diabetes Mellitus?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2020

Explanation

The question asks for the main symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.
The classic triad of symptoms for hyperglycemia in diabetes is Polyuria (excessive urination), Polydipsia (excessive thirst), and Polyphagia (excessive hunger).
These three symptoms are often referred to as the '3 Ps' of diabetes.
Since all three listed options are primary symptoms, the most comprehensive and correct answer is 'All of the above are correct'.

Option A: This option is a correct symptom of diabetes, but it is not the only one. Choosing this option alone would be incomplete.
Option B: Similar to polyuria, polydipsia is a correct symptom but represents only part of the classic clinical picture.
Option C: Polyphagia is also a correct symptom, but it is just one of the three main symptoms. The best answer includes all of them.

Visual 1: Infographic - An infographic illustrating the pathophysiology of the '3 Ps' in diabetes. It would show how high blood glucose leads to glucose in the urine (polyuria), which causes dehydration (polydipsia), while cells starve for energy (polyphagia).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Classic symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus (the '3 Ps') to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Recognizing the '3 Ps' is critical for early detection and diagnosis of diabetes, particularly Type 1, which can have a rapid onset.
Nurses must educate patients about these symptoms to encourage them to seek medical attention promptly, which can prevent severe complications like Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
What if? If a patient, especially an older adult, presents with fatigue, blurred vision, and recurrent infections but NOT the classic '3 Ps', the nurse should still suspect Type 2 diabetes. T2D often has a more insidious onset with subtler symptoms.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'Diabetes Mellitus' and its 'main symptoms'.
Recall the classic clinical presentation of diabetes. The mnemonic '3 Ps' is very helpful here.
Evaluate each option: Polyuria (P), Polydipsia (P), and Polyphagia (P) are all part of this classic triad.
Since options A, B, and C are all correct symptoms, look for an option that encompasses all of them.
Select the 'All of the above' option as it is the most complete and accurate answer describing the main symptoms.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 876-898

Practise the full Raj. CHO -2020

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