Which term describes excessive urination?

Which term describes excessive urination?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Nocturia
• C. Oliguria
• D. Uremia

Answer: (A)

Excessive urination is described by polyuria. It means producing unusually large volumes of urine, typically more than about 2.5 liters in a day. This focuses on how much urine is produced, not when you urinate. In contrast, nocturia describes waking up at night to urinate, which can occur with or without polyuria. Oliguria is the opposite—reduced urine output. Uremia refers to a buildup of waste products in the blood from kidney failure, not the amount of urine. So the term that best matches excessive urination is polyuria, as seen in conditions like diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or after certain diuretic use.

Excessive urination is described by polyuria. It means producing unusually large volumes of urine, typically more than about 2.5 liters in a day. This focuses on how much urine is produced, not when you urinate. In contrast, nocturia describes waking up at night to urinate, which can occur with or without polyuria. Oliguria is the opposite—reduced urine output. Uremia refers to a buildup of waste products in the blood from kidney failure, not the amount of urine. So the term that best matches excessive urination is polyuria, as seen in conditions like diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or after certain diuretic use.