Urinalysis Flashcards
Define urinalysis
According to studies for midwifery practice, urinalysis is defined as the testing of both the physical characteristics and composition of freshly voided urine
Why do we carry out urinalysis?
Simple and non invasive
Reliable for diagnosing signs and symptoms of diseases in early stages
Immediate results
Monitor well-being and deviations from the norm
What is the composition of urine?
pH 4.5-8
Mainly water (96%)
Epithelial cells and leukocytes
Protein and glucose in tiny amounts
What 3 things do we observe?
Odour
Clarity
Colour
What is the problem if urine is bright red?
Bleeding from the bladder
What does green urine indicate?
pseudomonas infection
What does dark red iron indicate?
Bleeding from kidneys or ureter
What does pink urine indicate?
Less fresh blood
What does brown urine indicate?
Bilirubin
What does orange urine indicate?
Dehydrated
What is pH?
acidic content of urine
a low pH means it’s more acidic than normal
could indicate calculus in the bladder or kidney
What is specific gravity?
The kidneys ability to dilute or concentrate urine
Low levels= water diuresis
High levels= dehydrated
What is an MSSU?
Mid stream specimen of urine
If urine smells sweet, what does that indicate?
Ketones in the urine
What does an offensive/ fishy smell indicate?
Infection
What is the clarity of urine when freshly voided?
Transparent
What happens to the clarity when urine is left to stand?
Turns cloudy
If urine is cloudy, what may have cause it?
Proteinuria and bacteriuria
What does foamy urine indicate?
Bilirubin or protein
If urine is thick, what does it indicate?
Infection
What causes bilirubinuria?
Hepatic or bilary disease
A false positive may be caused by certain drugs
A false negative means sample is stale or exposed to sunlight
What does Haematuria indicate?
Blood in urine
Infection
Trauma
Tumour
Calculi
What may cause haematuria?
Contamination from vagina
Haemorrhoids during labour
What colour does haematuria turn urine?
pink or red
What does ketonuria indicate?
excessive breakdown of body fats
What may cause ketonuria?
Fasting
Dehydration
Vomiting
Uncontrolled diabetes
What is glycosuria?
When blood glucose levels rise or renal absorption lowers
It indicates gestational diabetes
What do nitrites in the urine indicate?
Urinary tract infection
What does proteinuria indicate?
Contaminated specimen
Infection
Underlying renal disease
What diagnosis is proteinuria significant in?
Pre-eclampsia
What is a reagency stick?
Dip stick that is used to dip into urine to determine whether urine sample is normal
What do large quantities of urobilinogen indicate?
Liver abnormalities or excessive haemolysis
Explain the procedure for urinalysis
- In line with the NMC code you must gain informed consent
- Following the world health organisation procedure, wash hands and don PPE
- Observe the urine for colour, clarity and odour
- Ensure reagency strips are in date
- Insert stick in urine so it is fully submerged
- Quickly pull it out so the colours do not run
- Place strip to blot on paper towel
- Read reagent pads at specified times
- Hold strip close to colour chart and read in good lighting
- Dispose of urine and strip appropriately
- Remove PPE and wash hands
- Discuss findings with the woman
- Document findings in line with the NMC code and act appropriately
