A 55-year-old-female, previously diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, complains to her doctor of increased fatigue, as well as nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. She has also been urinating less frequently.

Microscopic Determinations

20-50 red blood cells/HPF

2-5 waxy casts/LPF

0-2 broad casts/LPF

Questions to consider:

1. The presence of excess protein in the urine is indicative of:
    a. renal disease
    b. urinary tract infection
    c. liver disease
    d. gallbladder disease

2. Upon stirring, a large amount of stable white foam develops in the urine specimen. Does this observation correlate with the chemical result? Review chemical results.
Click here for the answer.

3. Regardless of the time of urine collection or her fluid intake, the specific gravity of the patient's urine is consistently reported as 1.010. This is suggestive of which condition?
    a. anuria
    b. nocturia
    c. isosthenuria
    d. polyuria

4. Identify the formed element in the slide. Does the presence of this particular formed element correlate with the patient's condition? 

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5. What chemical results or microscopic determinations are indicative of glomerular damage? Review chemical and microscopic results. For the answer, click here.

6. "A 55-year-old-female, previously diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, complains to her doctor of increased fatigue, as well as nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. She has also been urinating less frequently." What aspects of the patient's medical history could have contributed to her present condition? Answer

7. Chronic renal failure is a gradual, progressive disease in which the kidneys lose the ability to excrete waste, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes. What treatments are available for controlling this disease? What is the patient's prognosis? Go to the answer.