Question

State what you would expect to see in a urine sample that was positive for laxative abuse.

Answer 1

Answer:

Laxatives, which enhance bowel movements, are abused by the individuals who desire to lose weight and are suffering from eating disorders. Laxative abuse leads to extreme symptoms like hypokalemia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, acid-base disturbance, and weight loss.  

The majority of the laxatives are captivated by the colon and are discharged in feces or urine as metabolites. In the analysis of urine, the volume of urine gathered within a 24 hours duration is more than two liters. The level of sodium and chlorine reduces in urine and the levels of potassium will enhance in the urine.  

A change in electrolyte balance and changes in acid-base results, hypokalemia is the clinical characteristic of laxative abuse. The pH of urine will decline on the basis of the extremity of the abuse. The levels of creatinine will increase, and one can witness elevation in the secretion of renin and aldosterone because of the loss of fluid.