Urine: Is This Normal?

Want to be sure your client's urine is within normal limits?  Take a look at these qualities:

Normal Urine Output: Most healthy adults will urinate about 1200-1400 ml per day. 

• Less may mean the person is not drinking enough fluids.
• More may be seen in clients who are diabetic or those on diuretics (water pills).

Color: Normal urine may range from clear to dark yellow.

• Dark amber may mean the person is dehydrated.
• Dark orange urine will be seen in clients who take a drug called Pyridium. 
• Urine that is dark red or brown probably has blood in it.

Clarity: Normal urine should be crystal clear.

• Urine that is cloudy, thick, or has specks or “floaters” means the person has an infection.

Odor: Urine should have a light “nutty” odor.

• Foul-smelling urine may be a sign of infection.