Urinary Labs & Diagnostics Flashcards
what would the nurse expect NORMAL urine to look like?
Light yellow to light amber, typically clear
what does turbid urine mean?
Super cloudy
which foods could potentially turn your urine pink to red?
Beets, blueberries, or rhubarb
what does dark yellow urine indicate?
Dark urine indicates concentrated urine; the patient needs to drink water.
what does amber or honey urine indicate?
Your body isn’t getting enough water, drink some now!
what does syrup or brown ale colored urine indicate?
You could have liver disease, or severe dehydration. Drink water and see PCP if it persists.
what does pink to reddish colored urine indicate?
Possibly from recent ingestion of beets, blueberries, or rhubarb. If not, then could be blood in your urine which could indicate kidney disease, tumors, UTI, prostate problems or something else. Could indicate lead or mercury poisoning. See doctor.
what does orange colored urine indicate?
Possible dehydration, but also could be liver or bile duct condition. See doctor.
Which labs would we check for with urinary conditions?
- Creatinine
- BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
- Potassium
- Calcium
- phosphorus
what is a normal creatinine lab value?
0.5-1.2 mg/dL
what is the most reliable indicator of renal function?
Creatinine, BUN can be influenced by fluid status.
what is creatinine?
breakdown of muscle & protein metabolism and is released at a consistent rate
would creatinine be HIGH or LOW with decreased kidney function?
HIGH! Kidneys are unable to eliminate toxins so they build up.
what condition could lead to LOW creatinine?
Muscle atrophy, otherwise a low creatinine is insignificant. Remember, it’s HIGH with decreased kidney function.
what is a normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL
what are some non-renal factors that can cause a high BUN
- high nitrogen tube feedings/high protein diet
- GI bleeds
- dehydration (false high)
what is a normal potassium lab value
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
what is the first electrolyte to become abnormal when kidney function is compromised?
K+
Why? b/c the kidneys excrete majority of potassium
what would you worry about with a K+ that is GREATER than 6.0
cardiac dysrhythmias
muscle weakness
what is a normal calcium lab value
9.0-10.5 mEq/L