West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What does polydipsia indicate in a diabetic patient?

1. is excessively thirsty

2. is unable to swallow

3. urinates frequently

4. has low blood sugar

The correct answer is: is excessively thirsty

Polydipsia is a medical term specifically indicating excessive thirst. This phenomenon often occurs in diabetic patients as a result of the body’s attempts to compensate for high blood sugar levels. When blood glucose is elevated, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the excess sugar. If the kidneys are unable to keep up, glucose spills into the urine, which subsequently draws water out of the body and increases urination. This loss of fluid leads to dehydration, prompting the individual to seek out more fluids, hence the condition of polydipsia. In contrast, the other options do not accurately define polydipsia. The inability to swallow is unrelated to thirst and does not denote excessive thirst; instead, it could refer to various clinical conditions. Frequent urination, while common in diabetes, is known as polyuria but does not directly relate to the sensation of being excessively thirsty. Low blood sugar points to hypoglycemia, which would typically produce symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and confusion rather than inducing thirst. Understanding polydipsia in the context of diabetes helps to clarify the symptoms that lead to further assessment and management of the overall condition in patients.