Which of the following is a potential cause for low specific gravity?

Prepare for the DOT Medical Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Low specific gravity in urine indicates that the urine is more diluted than normal, reflecting a reduced concentration of solutes. One potential cause is glucosuria, which occurs when excess glucose spills into the urine. This high amount of glucose draws water into the urine via osmotic pressure, resulting in a lower specific gravity.

Another factor, heart failure, can lead to fluid overload, causing the kidneys to produce urine that is less concentrated. In patients with heart failure, excess fluid intake and retention can lead to diluted urine, also contributing to low specific gravity.

Dehydration typically results in a higher specific gravity as the body conserves water, making the urine more concentrated. However, if dehydration leads to kidney injury or dysfunction, it might also affect the urine concentration over time.

In this case, since glucosuria and heart failure both can lead to low specific gravity, "All of the above" is the correct answer, acknowledging that multiple factors can contribute to this urine characteristic.

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