Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What does the symptom of thirst indicate?

1. Internal bleeding

2. Seizures

3. High blood pressure

4. Diabetes

The correct answer is: Internal bleeding

The symptom of thirst is primarily associated with diabetes, particularly when blood sugar levels are elevated. In diabetic patients, a lack of insulin or insulin resistance can lead to hyperglycemia, where excess glucose in the bloodstream causes the kidneys to excrete more sugar through urine, resulting in increased urination and subsequent dehydration. As a result, the body responds with a heightened sensation of thirst to encourage fluid intake and restore hydration levels. The other options do not directly correlate with thirst. Internal bleeding might lead to other symptoms like weakness or rapid pulse rather than an isolated feeling of thirst. Seizures can sometimes cause changes in bodily functions but are not typically linked to producing a feeling of thirst. High blood pressure might not present noticeable symptoms like thirst and is more often identified through routine monitoring rather than physical sensations.