To successfully complete this assignment, first read the following exercise from the Laboratory Manual: Exercise 41A Urinalysis.
Reference:
Martini, F., &Nath, J. (2009). Fundamentals of anatomy & physiology (8th ed.). San Francisco, California: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Student Discussion Assignment
- Briefly identify and discuss the characteristics of urine.
- Briefly identify and discuss abnormal urinary constituents (i.e., substances in urine).
As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. Support your work, using your course lectures and textbook readings. Helpful APA guides and resources are available in the South University Online Library. Below are guides that are located in the library and can be accessed and downloaded via the South University Online Citation Resources: APA Style page. The American Psychological Association website also provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and references at APA Style.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Urinalysis is an important diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals to detect a variety of conditions related to the urinary system and overall health. Understanding the characteristics and composition of urine, as well as identifying abnormal constituents, is crucial for interpreting urinalysis results and providing accurate diagnoses. In this assignment, we will discuss the characteristics of urine and abnormal urinary constituents.
1. Briefly identify and discuss the characteristics of urine.
Urine is a liquid waste product produced by the kidneys through the process of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. The characteristics of urine include color, odor, transparency, pH, specific gravity, and composition. Normal urine is typically pale yellow to amber in color, has a mild odor, is transparent, has a pH range of 4.5-8.0, has a specific gravity of 1.005-1.030, and is composed of water, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and other waste products. Changes in these characteristics can indicate underlying health conditions.
2. Briefly identify and discuss abnormal urinary constituents (i.e., substances in urine).
Abnormal urinary constituents are substances found in urine that are not normally present or are present in abnormal amounts. Some common abnormal constituents include protein, glucose, nitrites, leukocytes, ketones, bilirubin, and urobilinogen. These abnormalities can be indicative of various conditions such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and other conditions. Detection and quantification of abnormal constituents in urine through urinalysis can help healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and determine appropriate treatment plans.