Which patient condition is described as "thirsty" in a clinical setting?

The condition described as "thirsty" in a clinical setting is polydipsia. This term specifically refers to excessive thirst or increased fluid intake, which often arises as a compensatory mechanism in response to dehydration or other underlying health issues. Polydipsia can be a manifestation of various conditions such as diabetes mellitus, renal disease, or other metabolic disorders, where the body signals the need for more water intake to maintain fluid balance.

In contrast, oliguria refers to the production of abnormally small amounts of urine, dehydration denotes a state where there is a deficit of water in the body leading to various symptoms including thirst, and hypervolemia signifies an excess of fluid in the blood, which does not align with the sensation of increased thirst. Polydipsia distinctly highlights the clinical symptom of excessive thirst, making it the most accurate choice in this context.