The nurse teaches the patient admitted with diabetes mellitus that intracellular dehydration and thirst is the result of which pathological process?
- Because of elevated blood glucose levels, water is osmotically attracted from body cells.
- Hyperglycemia acts as an osmotic diuretic, resulting in glycosuria.
- Depletion of cellular stores of carbohydrates, fats, and protein results in cellular starvation.
- Weight loss occurs because of fluid loss in osmotic diuresis and loss of body tissue as fats and protein are used for energy.
