NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Foundational Knowledge and Basic ScienceMedium
A patient presents with symptoms including polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. A medical assistant recognizes these as classic signs of which endocrine disorder?
- AHypothyroidism
- BDiabetes Mellitus
- CAddison's Disease
- DCushing's Syndrome
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Diabetes Mellitus
Polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger) are the three 'polys' classically associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus due to high blood glucose levels.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hypothyroidism typically presents with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, not the 'polys'.
- C. Addison's Disease involves symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation, not the 'polys'.
- D. Cushing's Syndrome involves symptoms such as weight gain, moon face, and thin skin, distinct from the 'polys'.
Classic Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
The three 'polys' – polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia – are hallmark symptoms indicating uncontrolled blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
- Polyuria: increased urination due to osmotic diuresis.
- Polydipsia: increased thirst compensating for fluid loss.
- Polyphagia: increased hunger due to cells not receiving glucose.
Memory trick: Endocrine system: Hormones, Health, Harmonies, and Headaches.