Final answer:
Nurse Tammy should assess for polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia, characteristic of diabetes, but not necessarily for weight gain as it is not a typical manifestation of diabetes mellitus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurse Tammy should assess Derek for several manifestations of diabetes mellitus. These include:
- Polyuria: This is characterized by frequent urination and can lead to dehydration because the kidneys filter out high levels of glucose which then pulls water into the urine.
- Polydipsia: As a result of polyuria, the individual experiences increased thirst due to dehydration.
- Polyphagia: This an increased hunger or intake of food due to the inability of body cells to access glucose in the bloodstream for energy, leaving the person feeling constantly hungry.
- Weight gain is not typically a direct manifestation of diabetes mellitus. Instead, weight loss is more commonly associated, particularly with type 1 diabetes, due to the inability to properly utilize glucose for energy.
Assessing for these symptoms would help Nurse Tammy determine if Derek's condition aligns with characteristic manifestations of diabetes.