In reviewing a client's urinalysis report, which finding should the nurse recognize as abnormal?

In reviewing a client's urinalysis report, which finding should the nurse recognize as abnormal?

• A. The presence of glucose
• B. The presence of protein
• C. The presence of ketones
• D. The presence of hematuria

Answer: (C)

The presence of ketones in a urinalysis report is recognized as an abnormal finding. Ketones are byproducts of fat metabolism that typically occur when the body does not have enough carbohydrates to utilize for energy. Their presence in urine can indicate that the body is in a state of ketosis, which might occur in conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, starvation, or a very low-carbohydrate diet. Monitoring ketone levels is crucial, particularly in diabetic patients, as it can signal a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. In contrast, while the presence of glucose, protein, and hematuria can also indicate potential health issues, they may not always signify a pathological condition and can sometimes occur in non-critical situations. For instance, glucose may be present in cases of diabetes but could also appear temporarily due to high sugar intake. Protein may reflect conditions like dehydration or exercise, and hematuria may result from benign causes such as urinary tract infections or rigorous exercise. Each of these requires further assessment, but ketones are specifically indicative of a metabolic state that generally points to a more urgent concern.

The presence of ketones in a urinalysis report is recognized as an abnormal finding. Ketones are byproducts of fat metabolism that typically occur when the body does not have enough carbohydrates to utilize for energy. Their presence in urine can indicate that the body is in a state of ketosis, which might occur in conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, starvation, or a very low-carbohydrate diet. Monitoring ketone levels is crucial, particularly in diabetic patients, as it can signal a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

In contrast, while the presence of glucose, protein, and hematuria can also indicate potential health issues, they may not always signify a pathological condition and can sometimes occur in non-critical situations. For instance, glucose may be present in cases of diabetes but could also appear temporarily due to high sugar intake. Protein may reflect conditions like dehydration or exercise, and hematuria may result from benign causes such as urinary tract infections or rigorous exercise. Each of these requires further assessment, but ketones are specifically indicative of a metabolic state that generally points to a more urgent concern.