A standard dipstick urinalysis includes
a. red blood cell count
b. hCG level
c. potassium level
d. specific gravity
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is d. specific gravity.
Explanation:
A standard dipstick urinalysis is a routine test that involves using a chemically treated strip to test a urine sample for various substances. It provides important information about a person’s kidney function, hydration status, and whether certain diseases or conditions might be present. The dipstick is immersed in the urine, and the results are assessed by comparing color changes on the strip to a reference chart.
The dipstick urinalysis typically includes the following tests:
- pH: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of the urine, which can help in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other metabolic conditions.
- Glucose: Tests for the presence of glucose, which could indicate uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar.
- Ketones: Presence of ketones in the urine can indicate that the body is breaking down fat for energy, commonly seen in diabetes, starvation, or certain types of dieting.
- Specific gravity: This is one of the standard parameters tested in a dipstick urinalysis. It measures the concentration of solutes in the urine and reflects the kidney’s ability to concentrate or dilute urine. A normal specific gravity ranges from 1.005 to 1.030, with lower values indicating diluted urine (possibly from overhydration) and higher values indicating concentrated urine (possibly from dehydration or kidney issues).
- Protein: The presence of protein in the urine can indicate kidney disease or damage, particularly to the glomeruli (the filtering units of the kidneys).
- Leukocyte esterase and nitrites: These tests can help detect urinary tract infections (UTIs). Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme found in white blood cells, and nitrites are produced by certain bacteria that cause infections.
- Blood: The presence of blood in the urine could indicate a variety of conditions, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or bladder cancer.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Red blood cell count: Although blood can be detected on a dipstick, a red blood cell count is not measured directly by the dipstick. Microscopic examination is usually needed for accurate quantification.
- b. hCG level: The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is not tested by a dipstick urinalysis. It is typically tested using specific pregnancy tests that detect hCG in urine.
- c. Potassium level: The potassium level is not measured by a standard dipstick urinalysis. Blood tests are used to assess electrolyte levels, including potassium.
Thus, specific gravity is the correct answer as it is a key parameter tested in a standard dipstick urinalysis to assess kidney function and hydration status.