The amount of water excreted as urine per day is about?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The question asks for the approximate average daily urine output.
According to physiological norms, the average daily output of urine for a healthy adult is about 1500 ml.
This value falls comfortably within the normal range of 800-2000 ml per day.
This figure is commonly used in clinical settings for calculating a patient's fluid balance (intake and output).

Option A: While 1000 ml is within the lower limit of the normal daily urine output range (800-2000 ml), it is not the best representation of the average daily amount.
Option C: An output of 100 ml in 24 hours is defined as anuria. This is a critically low amount and signifies severe kidney dysfunction or complete urinary tract obstruction.
Option D: An output of 500 ml is on the cusp of oliguria (less than 400-500 ml/day). This volume is the minimum required to clear metabolic wastes and indicates significantly impaired kidney function or dehydration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal daily urine output in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Monitoring urine output is a fundamental nursing responsibility to assess fluid balance, kidney function, and tissue perfusion.
An output of less than 30 ml/hour for more than two consecutive hours is a critical finding that must be reported to the physician, as it may indicate hypovolemia or acute kidney injury.
What if? If a postoperative patient's urine output drops to 20 ml/hour, the nurse's priority action is to first check for catheter kinks or blockages, then assess for signs of dehydration or hypovolemia (e.g., low blood pressure, high heart rate), and notify the surgeon promptly.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: It asks for the average daily urine output.
Recall the normal physiological values for daily fluid balance in an adult.
Remember the typical range for urine output is 800-2000 ml/day.
Identify the value within the options that represents the most commonly accepted average within this range.
Eliminate options that represent pathological states like anuria (less than 100 ml) or oliguria (less than 500 ml).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 351-353

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 1 p. 83-85

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2B p. 54-56

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.