If specific gravity persists outside normal range, what should be considered?

When specific gravity is outside the normal range, it indicates potential abnormalities in a patient's renal function or hydration status. Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine. Abnormal levels can suggest a variety of conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, dehydration, kidney disease, or certain systemic diseases affecting renal function.

Considering these implications, it's crucial to investigate the underlying cause of the abnormal specific gravity further. Referral to specialized medical care may be warranted to evaluate for possible diseases that could be affecting renal function or causing inappropriate hydration status. This approach ensures that any potential health issues are diagnosed and addressed promptly, which can be critical to the patient's overall health and wellbeing.

Other options such as dietary changes might not address the root causes of the abnormal specific gravity, and while referral to a urologist is an option in some cases, the primary focus should be evaluating for systemic or kidney-related diseases first. Thus, assessing for possible diseases and making an appropriate referral is the most comprehensive and relevant action to take in response to abnormal specific gravity findings.