Which term denotes sweating?

Which term denotes sweating?

• A. Edema
• B. Incontinence
• C. Diaphoresis
• D. Necrosis

Answer: (C)

Diaphoresis is the medical term for sweating. It describes perspiration that can occur naturally with activity or fever, or can signal a change in a patient’s condition when it’s excessive or unexpected. In patient care, noticing diaphoresis helps you assess temperature regulation, comfort, and potential underlying issues such as infection, pain, hypoglycemia, or shock. When you observe diaphoresis, check the skin for moisture and temperature, monitor vital signs, and address causes as appropriate (such as ensuring hydration or keeping the patient comfortable and dry). The other terms refer to different problems: edema means swelling from fluid buildup; incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool; necrosis is tissue death.

Diaphoresis is the medical term for sweating. It describes perspiration that can occur naturally with activity or fever, or can signal a change in a patient’s condition when it’s excessive or unexpected. In patient care, noticing diaphoresis helps you assess temperature regulation, comfort, and potential underlying issues such as infection, pain, hypoglycemia, or shock. When you observe diaphoresis, check the skin for moisture and temperature, monitor vital signs, and address causes as appropriate (such as ensuring hydration or keeping the patient comfortable and dry). The other terms refer to different problems: edema means swelling from fluid buildup; incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool; necrosis is tissue death.