Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What is the effect on urine output in prerenal failure after fluid resuscitation?

1. Elevated urine specific gravity

2. Decreased urine output

3. Increased urine output

The correct answer is: Increased urine output

In prerenal failure, the kidneys are still structurally intact, and the primary issue is related to inadequate perfusion, often caused by factors such as dehydration or decreased blood volume. When fluid resuscitation is administered, it effectively restores the intravascular volume and improves renal perfusion. Once renal blood flow is enhanced through adequate fluid replacement, the kidneys can effectively filter waste products again. This results in an increase in urine output as the kidneys begin to excrete the excess fluid and the waste accumulated during the period of inadequate perfusion. Monitoring urine output after fluid resuscitation serves as an important indicator of renal function recovery in prerenal failure. Thus, in cases of prerenal failure, fluid resuscitation leads to increased urine output, reflecting the restoration of adequate renal perfusion and function.