Definition of Urine output - decreased:

Decreased urine output is defined as producing less than 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours.

Considerations:

Although a significant decrease in urine output may indicate a serious, even life-threatening condition, adequate urine output can be restored with prompt medical treatment.

Common Causes:

• Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, with a lack of adequate fluid intake
• Total urinary tract obstruction, such as from an enlarged prostate
• Severe infection or any other medical condition leading to shock
• Use of certain medications such as anticholinergics, methotrexate, and diuretics

Home Care:

Follow prescribed fluid regimens and measure urine output as directed.

Call your health care provider if:

Contact your health care provider if you have:

• A noticeable and consistent decrease in urine output
• Vomiting , diarrhea, or high fever and are unable to replace fluids by mouth
• A decrease in urine output associated with dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid pulse

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• Time pattern
  • When did this begin?
  • Did it occur suddenly?
  • Has it rapidly become worse?
• Quality
  • How much do you drink each day?
  • Does drinking more increase your urine output?
  • How much urine do you produce each day?
  • What color is the urine?
• Aggravating factors
  • Has there been fever?
  • Has there been diarrhea?
  • Has there been vomiting? With or without nausea?
  • Is thirst decreased?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
• Other
  • What medications do you take?
  • Do you have any allergies?
  • Do you have access to adequate fluids?
• Medical history
  • Have you had any recent injuries such as burns?
  • Have you been sick?
  • Do you have a history of a problem with your kidneys or bladder?

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood studies to monitor electrolytes and kidney function
• CT (cat) scan of the abdomen
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Renal scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Urine tests, including tests for infection