Final answer:
In acute kidney failure, urine typically shows increased levels of protein and the presence of cellular casts, which indicate damage to the kidneys' filtering system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biochemical findings observed in the urine in patients with acute kidney failure often include an increase in protein and the presence of casts.
In acute kidney failure, there's a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate, leading to several urinary abnormalities. A routine urinalysis may reveal the presence of protein and cellular casts. Proteinuria indicates that the kidneys' filtering system is damaged, allowing proteins that are normally retained in the bloodstream to leak into the urine. Cellular casts, such as red blood cell casts or hyaline casts, are formed in the distal convoluted tubule or collecting duct and signify kidney damage or disease. These findings contrast with other potential urine abnormalities, such as changes in glucose, pH, and white blood cell count, which might signify other conditions.