A nurse educator is explaining the pathophysiology of diabetes to a newly diagnosed patient. The patient does not understand why she had a "constant, insatiable thirst" in the months preceding her diagnosis

What phenomenon should the nurse describe? A) "The excess glucose in your blood accumulates in your blood vessels and neurons, including the neurons that control thirst."
B) "Excess glucose pulled more water through your kidneys and the increased urination caused thirst."
C) "Increased thirst is your body's attempt to dilute your blood because it contains too much glucose."
D) "When your body cells are starved for useful glucose, they signal your body to increase food and fluid intake."


B
Feedback:
When large amounts of glucose are present, water is pulled into the renal tubule. This results in a greatly increased urine output (polyuria). The excessive loss of fluid in urine leads to increased thirst (polydipsia). Glucose does not directly affect the thirst center.

Nursing

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