Urine cloudiness

Cloudy, murky, or turbid urine reflects the presence of bacteria, mucus, leukocytes or erythrocytes, epithelial cells, fat, or phosphates (in alkaline urine). It's characteristic of urinary tract infection (UTI) but can also result from prolonged storage of a urine specimen at room temperature.

History and physical examination

Ask about symptoms of UTI, such as dysuria; urinary urgency or frequency; or pain in the flank, lower back, or suprapubic area. Also ask about recurrent UTIs or recent surgery or treatment involving the urinary tract. Obtain a complete drug history.

Obtain a urine specimen to check for pus or mucus. (See Performing the three-glass urine test, page 613.) Using a reagent strip, test for blood, glucose, and pH. Palpate the suprapubic area and flanks for tenderness.

If you note cloudy urine in a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, especially with concurrent fever, remove the catheter immediately (or change it if the patient must have one in place).

Medical causes

UTI.Cloudy urine is common with UTI. Other urinary changes include urgency, frequency, hematuria, dysuria, nocturia and, in males, urethral discharge. Urinary hesitancy; bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; and suprapubic, lower back, or flank pain may occur. Other effects include fever, chills, malaise, nausea, and vomiting.

Nursing considerations

▪ Collect urine specimens for urinalysis and culture and sensitivity tests.

▪ Increase the patient's fluid intake, and administer an antibiotic and a urinary anesthetic (such as phenazopyridine).

▪ Continue checking the appearance of the patient's urine to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

▪ Teach the patient to increase his fluid intake.

▪ Discuss the importance of finishing the full course of antibiotics.

▪ Explain proper genital hygiene.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms
• Author(s): Springhouse
• Year of Publication: 2007
• Copyright Details: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright Details: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

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• Back to symptom: Urination pain: Introduction (review 154 causes)
• Next Book Extract About Urination pain: DYSURIA (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
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More About This Book: Title: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms Authors: Springhouse Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2007 ISBN: 1-58255-668-7

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