Senior Practicum Physical Assessment Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

In the context of sepsis, urine output is a critical indicator of kidney function and overall perfusion status. A urine output of 90 mL in the last six hours is significantly low, as it indicates less than 15 mL per hour, which is below the normal threshold. This level of output suggests that the kidneys may not be receiving adequate blood flow, potentially leading to acute kidney injury and worsening the patient’s sepsis condition.

Monitoring urine output is essential in sepsis management because oliguria (low urine output) can signal a progression towards septic shock, organ failure, and can also reflect that the body is not responding adequately to the infection. Prompt recognition and intervention regarding low urine output in this scenario may lead to necessary treatments such as fluid resuscitation, medication adjustments, or further diagnostic evaluations to prevent deterioration of the patient’s condition.

Other symptoms like fever, confusion, or increased thirst levels are important and require attention in the context of sepsis, but the drastic drop in urine output signifies a more immediate need for intervention to protect kidney function and address the potential for systemic complications in the patient.