Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Practice Exam

Oliguria refers specifically to the production of abnormally small amounts of urine, typically defined as less than 400 milliliters per day in adults. This condition can occur due to various reasons, such as dehydration, acute kidney injury, or certain medical conditions that affect kidney function. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing a patient's renal function and overall health, and oliguria is an important clinical indicator that may prompt further investigation into underlying causes. The other options describe different states of urine production. Normal urine production would be characterized by the expected daily output, while producing abnormally large amounts (known as polyuria) signifies a different set of health issues, potentially including diabetes mellitus or other conditions affecting fluid balance. The complete absence of urine production is termed anuria and indicates severe kidney dysfunction or obstruction. Understanding these distinctions is vital for diagnosing and managing renal and systemic health conditions.