Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What does hematuria refer to?

1. Excretion of glucose

2. Presence of blood in urine

3. Excessive urination at night

4. Reduced urine output

The correct answer is: Presence of blood in urine

Hematuria specifically refers to the presence of blood in the urine, which can be an indicator of various medical conditions ranging from infections to kidney stones. This condition can present as either gross hematuria, where the blood is visible to the naked eye, or microscopic hematuria, where blood is detected only under a microscope. Identifying hematuria is crucial, as it may suggest underlying issues requiring further investigation. The other options relate to different urinary symptoms or conditions. For example, excretion of glucose pertains to glycosuria, which can signal conditions like diabetes. Excessive urination at night is known as nocturia, and reduced urine output is referred to as oliguria. Each of these conditions presents different clinical implications and areas of concern that are distinct from hematuria. Understanding these definitions is important in recognizing and addressing various urinary tract issues effectively.