Poor Urinary Output

Question 1

Why should poor urine output be taken very seriously? What is it a sign of?

Answer 1

Sign of impending acute renal failure

Question 2

What could poor urinary output lead to patients dying from if untreated? (3)

Answer 2

Untreated, patients may die from hyperkalaemia, profound acidosis, or pulmonary oedema due to the kidneys not performing their usual physiological role.

Question 3

Prerenal causes of poor urinary output (4)

Answer 3

• Hypovolaemia (e.g. dehydration, haemorrhage)
• Heart failure
• Reduced local perfusion
of kidneys (e.g. dissecting aneurysm, renal emboli)
• Decreased systemic vascular resistance
(e.g. sepsis, pancreatitis)