URINALYSIS CASE STUDY

A 41 year old woman who is approximately 30 weeks pregnant reports to her Dr. with several ailments. She complains of frequent headaches, and edema (swelling) of her feet and hands. Her blood pressure was found to be elevated (150/90). She informs her physician that she takes extra amounts of pre-natal vitamins due to her age.  A random specimen yields the following urinalysis results:
 

                   PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL ANALYSIS:

                    MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS:

                           QUESTIONS:     (go directly to question  1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

2.  What discrepancy exists involving the presence of triple phosphate crystals? (review urinalysis)
                         a. indicates critical value and should have been reported to the Dr. immediately
                         b. the pH is acidic
                         c. the pH is alkaline
                         d. present only in low specific gravity

3. What could account for the 10-20 squamous epithelial cells? (review urinalysis)
                         a. improper collection
                         b. renal tubular damage
                         c. upper UTI
                         d. glomerular dysfunction

4. What condition do the chemical and microscopic results point towards? (review urinalysis)
                          a. nephrotic syndrome
                          b. acute glomerulonephritis
                          c. pre-eclampsia
                          d. both b and c

5. What information about the patient supports this diagnosis? (review patient history)
                         a. patient's age
                         b. hypertension
                         c. ~ 30 weeks pregnant
                         d. all of the above