ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

The classic signs of hyperglycemia primarily include polyuria, polydipsia, and unexplained weight loss.

Polyuria refers to increased urination, which occurs because high levels of glucose in the blood lead to excess glucose being excreted in the urine. As the kidneys filter the blood, they also draw water along with glucose, resulting in increased urine output.

Polydipsia is the excessive thirst that develops as a response to the dehydration caused by polyuria. When the body loses a lot of fluids due to frequent urination, it triggers a thirst response to encourage fluid intake and restore hydration.

Unexplained weight loss is often seen in hyperglycemia, especially in cases of diabetes, where the body's inability to properly utilize glucose leads to the breakdown of fat and muscle for energy. This results in a decrease in body weight even when caloric intake may remain the same or increase.

Overall, these three signs are interrelated and provide a clear indication that the body is struggling to manage glucose levels effectively, hence, they represent the classic manifestations of hyperglycemia.