SUMMARY
Urinalysis represents one of the most important means for determining the health of an individual, since it is the urine that shows those substances produced in the body as a result of the breaking down of the body tissues and protein foods.
Composition of Normal Urine must be familiar to the nurse in order that she may recognize any change taking place in the urine of her patient which may indicate pathological conditions in the body.
The Specific Gravity of urine is one of the points by means of which the presence of certain substances more or less abnormal in character is determined.
Other Points, such as color, odor, quantity, reaction, and chemical composition, likewise show any deviation from the normal in the individual.
Urine Tests are necessary to determine the composition of the secretion. The character of these tests and the methods used in making them form an essential part in the training of the nurse.
Tests for the presence of albumen, sugar, and possibly indican in the urine, should be made by the nurse. The latter substance represents the extent of putrefaction taking place in the body and for this reason should be included in the urine tests.
Collecting the Urine for testing is important. The amount includes all that has been voided throughout the entire twenty-four hours beginning after the bladder has been emptied on the first morning and ending after the first specimen has been voided on the morning of the second day.
Preserving the Urine for testing is usually necessary, especially during the warm weather. The specimens should be collected in a wide-mouthed sterile glass jar. This should be kept in a cold place. Some harmless preservative such as chloroform should be added to assure its keeping.