polyuria
Definition
excessive production or passage of urine
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of extreme thirst and frequent urination. She reports drinking 4-5 liters of fluid daily and waking up to urinate 6-8 times per night. Physical examination reveals dry mucous membranes and concentrated urine. Her serum glucose is 320 mg/dL and urine osmolality is 1200 mOsm/kg. This patient's excessive urination is classified as polyuria.
Mnemonic
Pee-Wee Polyuria - Polyuria = Pee-Wee (excessive urination)