Word parts
poly- many, much-dipsia thirst
What it means
Strong, lasting thirst that makes a person drink large amounts. It is one of the classic symptoms of high blood sugar, together with polyuria (passing a lot of urine) and polyphagia (extreme hunger). It is also seen in diabetes insipidus and with some drugs and mental health conditions.
For the nurse
Ask about thirst and how much the client drinks, and track intake and output. Report new extreme thirst with frequent urination.
At a glance
| Spanish | polidipsia |
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Related terms
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
hyperglycemia
A blood glucose level above normal, over 100 mg/dL when fasting.
intake and output
The measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.