Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

How much urine is produced from the daily glomerular filtrate?

1. 0.5-1 litre

2. 1-3 litres

3. 3-5 litres

4. 10 litres

The correct answer is: 1-3 litres

The correct response indicates that the daily urine output typically amounts to 1-3 litres. This figure aligns with normal physiological processes in the kidneys. The kidneys filter a substantial volume of blood daily, producing an estimated 180 litres of glomerular filtrate. However, not all of this filtrate is excreted as urine. The majority is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream during the processes occurring in the renal tubules, which emphasizes the kidneys' efficiency in reclaiming water and essential solutes. The final urine volume can vary based on several factors, including hydration status, dietary intake, and physiological needs. Therefore, under normal circumstances, a urine output within the range of 1 to 3 litres is expected in healthy adults. This value reflects the balance between the body's hydration levels and the regulatory mechanisms that maintain homeostasis. While the other options suggest values outside this normal range, they would not be typically observed in healthy individuals under usual circumstances. For instance, significantly lower outputs might indicate dehydration or renal impairment, while much higher outputs could suggest conditions such as diabetes insipidus.