Which of the following is a symptom of hyperglycemia?

Appeared in: NORCET 1 - 2020

Explanation

Increased thirst (polydipsia) is a hallmark symptom of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
It occurs because high glucose levels in the blood overwhelm the kidneys, causing glucose to spill into the urine (glycosuria).
The glucose in the urine draws large amounts of water with it (osmotic diuresis), leading to dehydration and a powerful sensation of thirst as the body tries to compensate for the fluid loss.

Option A: Shakiness, or tremor, is a classic adrenergic symptom of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), not hyperglycemia. It's caused by the release of epinephrine (adrenaline).
Option B: Sweating (diaphoresis) is an autonomic (cholinergic) symptom of hypoglycemia. The skin in hyperglycemia is typically warm and dry.
Option D: Confusion is a neuroglycopenic symptom of hypoglycemia, resulting from the brain being deprived of glucose, its primary energy source.

Visual 1: Chart: A side-by-side comparison chart detailing the signs, symptoms, onset, and skin condition for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Visual 2: Infographic: A visual guide showing the '3 Ps' of hyperglycemia (Polydipsia, Polyuria, Polyphagia) and the common signs of hypoglycemia (sweating, shaking, confusion).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Differentiating symptoms of hyperglycemia from hypoglycemia helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Rapidly differentiating between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is a critical nursing skill, as the treatments are opposite and time-sensitive. Administering insulin to a hypoglycemic patient can be fatal.
Patient education is key. Nurses must teach diabetic patients and their families to recognize the signs of both high and low blood sugar to enable prompt self-management and prevent emergencies.
What if the patient is found unconscious? The first nursing action is to check the blood glucose level. Never assume the cause. If the patient is hypoglycemic, immediate administration of glucose (like IV dextrose) is life-saving. If hyperglycemic, treatment will involve insulin and fluids.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'hyperglycemia', which means high blood sugar.
Recall the classic signs and symptoms associated with hyperglycemia. A useful mnemonic is the '3 Ps': Polydipsia (increased thirst), Polyuria (increased urination), and Polyphagia (increased hunger).
Evaluate each option. 'Increased thirst' directly matches Polydipsia.
Analyze the remaining options (Shakiness, Sweating, Confusion). Recognize these as classic symptoms of the opposite condition, hypoglycemia.
This process of elimination confirms that 'Increased thirst' is the only symptom of hyperglycemia listed.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 1 - 2020

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