Which term describes reduced urine production?

Which term describes reduced urine production?

• A. Oliguria
• B. Polyuria
• C. Urinary Retention
• D. Incontinence

Answer: (A)

Oliguria describes reduced urine production—that is, the kidneys are making less urine than normal. In adults, this is typically defined as urine output under about 400 mL in 24 hours (some sources use a threshold like <0.5 mL/kg/hour in children). This is distinct from polyuria, which is producing abnormally large volumes of urine; from urinary retention, which is a problem with emptying the bladder even though urine may be produced; and from incontinence, which is involuntary leakage. So the term that best fits reduced urine production is oliguria.

Oliguria describes reduced urine production—that is, the kidneys are making less urine than normal. In adults, this is typically defined as urine output under about 400 mL in 24 hours (some sources use a threshold like <0.5 mL/kg/hour in children). This is distinct from polyuria, which is producing abnormally large volumes of urine; from urinary retention, which is a problem with emptying the bladder even though urine may be produced; and from incontinence, which is involuntary leakage. So the term that best fits reduced urine production is oliguria.