Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Which chronic disease is defined by excessive urination, excessive hunger, and excessive thirst?

1. Obesity

2. Diabetes

3. Hypertension

4. Asthma

The correct answer is: Diabetes

The chronic disease characterized by excessive urination, excessive hunger, and excessive thirst is diabetes. This condition occurs when the body is unable to properly use insulin or produce enough insulin, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood. The excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, arises as the body tries to compensate for the loss of fluids from frequent urination (polyuria). Similarly, the excessive hunger, or polyphagia, results because the body's cells are not effectively using glucose for energy due to insulin issues, prompting the body to signal that it needs more food. Understanding these key symptoms is essential for recognizing diabetes and differentiating it from other conditions, which may not present with the same set of clinical signs.