Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has sustained blunt trauma to the left flank area, and is

evaluating the patient's urinalysis results. The nurse should become concerned when
a. creatinine levels in the urine are similar to blood levels of creatinine.
b. sodium and chloride are found in the urine.
c. urine uric acid levels have the same values as serum levels.
d. red blood cells and albumin are found in the urine.

Answer 1

The nurse should be concerned when red blood cells and albumin are found in the urine, as these are abnormal findings that could indicate kidney or urinary tract damage following the patient's blunt trauma.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should become concerned d. when red blood cells and albumin are found in the urine since the presence of these substances may indicate injury to the kidneys or urinary tract. While sodium and chloride are normally found in the urine and creatinine levels can be compared between urine and blood as a measure of renal function, red blood cells (hematuria) and albumin (albuminuria or proteinuria) are not typically present in the urine. They can be indicative of a variety of conditions, including the blunt trauma to the flank area the patient has suffered, which could lead to kidney damage, or other issues such as kidney stones, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or even an obstructed urinary catheter. A urine analysis is an essential diagnostic tool for assessing kidney function and identifying any potential damage or dysfunction.