Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Excessive fluid intake can lead to which of the following conditions concerning urine?

1. Dark-colored urine

2. Pale-colored urine

3. High specific gravity

4. Presence of ketones

The correct answer is: Pale-colored urine

Excessive fluid intake leads to pale-colored urine due to the dilution of the urine. When an individual consumes a large volume of fluids, the kidneys respond by producing a greater volume of urine that is less concentrated, resulting in a lighter or pale coloration. This occurs because the excess water lowers the concentration of solutes, such as urea and creatinine, which are typically present in urine. The pale color is often indicative of good hydration levels and the body's efficient mechanism of regulating fluid balance. Understanding the implications of fluid intake on urine characteristics is essential for monitoring hydration status and ensuring that individuals maintain appropriate fluid levels, especially in clinical settings.