What condition might a low specific gravity indicate?
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Dehydration
Presence of protein
Overhydration
The Correct Answer is E
A. Diabetic ketoacidosis: This metabolic state involves high concentrations of glucose and ketone bodies within the renal filtrate. These solutes increase the osmotic pressure and density of urine, leading to an elevated specific gravity. It reflects a state of solute excess rather than dilution.
B. Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bacterial colonization and the presence of white blood cells or nitrites typically increase urine turbidity and density. While infections alter chemical composition, they do not physiologically cause the profound dilution seen in low specific gravity. It usually results in normal or high density.
C. Dehydration: In response to fluid deficit, the kidneys maximize water reabsorption under the influence of antidiuretic hormone. This produces highly concentrated urine with a significantly elevated specific gravity. Low specific gravity is physiologically incompatible with a state of systemic fluid volume depletion.
D. Presence of protein: Proteinuria increases the mass of dissolved solids per unit volume of urine. Large molecules like albumin raise the density of the fluid as it passes through the collecting ducts. This finding is associated with higher, not lower, specific gravity measurements.
E. Overhydration: Excessive fluid intake suppresses antidiuretic hormone, leading to the excretion of a large volume of dilute urine. The renal tubules minimize water reabsorption, resulting in a urine density approaching that of pure water (1.000). This physiological state directly results in low specific gravity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Stimulating thirst: Angiotensin II acts on the subfornical organ in the brain to trigger the sensation of thirst. This behavioral response encourages fluid intake to expand the extracellular fluid volume. It is a critical component of the body's long-term blood pressure regulation.
B. Causing systemic vasoconstriction: This hormone is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases total peripheral resistance by acting on vascular smooth muscle. This immediate mechanical effect results in a rapid elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure. It is a hallmark of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
C. Promoting Na+ excretion: Angiotensin II actually promotes sodium retention rather than excretion. It stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone and directly increases sodium-hydrogen exchange in the proximal tubule. This conserves sodium to maintain osmotic pressure and blood volume.
D. Increasing ADH production: Angiotensin II enhances the release of antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. This synergy increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts to support blood volume expansion. It works in concert with other mechanisms to counteract hypotension effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Ureteral sphincter: There is no distinct anatomical sphincter muscle located at the junction of the ureter and the bladder. The prevention of reflux relies on the mechanical compression of the ureteral wall rather than a circular muscle. True sphincters are found at the bladder neck and urogenital diaphragm.
B. Vesicourethral junction: This term refers to the anatomical site where the bladder neck meets the proximal portion of the urethra. It is located at the inferior aspect of the bladder, distal to the ureteral entry points. It does not facilitate the prevention of vesicoureteral reflux.
C. Trigone: This is a stationary triangular region of the bladder base defined by the two ureteral orifices and the urethral opening. While it contains the openings, the term describes the topographical area rather than the valve mechanism itself. It does not possess a physiological one-way valve function.
D. Ureterovesical valve: The intramural portion of the ureter is compressed by the detrusor muscle during bladder contraction and filling. This physiological arrangement prevents the retrograde flow of urine toward the kidneys, protecting the upper urinary tract. It functions as a passive flap-valve mechanism during micturition.
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