A client’s results from a urinalysis are as follows: pH 5.2, gross clo

A client’s results from a urinalysis are as follows: pH 5.2, gross cloudiness, WBC 10–15, glucose negative, specific gravity 1.012, and protein negative. How should the nurse interpret the results?

1. Dehydration
2. Diabetic ketoacidosis
3. Trauma
4. Urinary tract infection

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: An elevated specific gravity is seen in dehydration.
Rationale 2: The glucose would be elevated in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Rationale 3: Blood would be present in trauma.
Rationale 4: The pH, glucose, specific gravity, and protein are all within normal limits. Urine is usually clear to slightly cloudy, and WBC count can be from 0 to 4. Therefore, the gross cloudiness and WBC count of 10–15 are not normal, indicating a urinary tract infection.