Urine specific gravity is equally influenced by the presence of glucose and sodium.

Urine specific gravity is equally influenced by the presence of glucose and sodium.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Both glucose and sodium are major determinants of SG
• D. SG is influenced only by water content

Answer: (B)

Urine specific gravity reflects the density of urine based on the total solute load, not just water. It rises with more dissolved particles such as urea, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), and other organic solutes. Glucose only raises SG when glucosuria occurs, and even then its impact depends on the amount present and renal handling; sodium’s contribution varies with intake and kidney function. Because these two solutes do not contribute equally to the overall solute burden—and there are other major contributors—the idea that glucose and sodium influence SG equally is not correct. SG is influenced by water content in the sense that more water dilutes solutes, but its primary meaning is the overall solute concentration, not just water.

Urine specific gravity reflects the density of urine based on the total solute load, not just water. It rises with more dissolved particles such as urea, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), and other organic solutes. Glucose only raises SG when glucosuria occurs, and even then its impact depends on the amount present and renal handling; sodium’s contribution varies with intake and kidney function. Because these two solutes do not contribute equally to the overall solute burden—and there are other major contributors—the idea that glucose and sodium influence SG equally is not correct. SG is influenced by water content in the sense that more water dilutes solutes, but its primary meaning is the overall solute concentration, not just water.