Which urinary laboratory finding should prompt a nurse to follow up?

A specific gravity of 1.036 indicates a concentrated urine, which can be a sign of dehydration or other underlying conditions affecting fluid balance. Normal specific gravity ranges from approximately 1.005 to 1.030. When the specific gravity exceeds this normal range, it suggests that the kidneys may be conserving water due to lower fluid intake or possible conditions that lead to dehydration. This finding warrants further evaluation to determine the cause and assess the patient's hydration status or kidney function, making it essential for a nurse to follow up on.

In contrast, a protein level of 2 mg/100 mL is typically considered within an acceptable range for protein excretion in urine and does not generally raise concern. An urine output of 80 mL/hr is also within normal limits for adults, as typical urine output ranges from about 30 to 60 mL/hour. A pH of 6.4 is considered slightly acidic but still falls within the normal urinary pH range (generally between 4.5 and 8.0) and does not typically necessitate follow-up. Therefore, the specific gravity being elevated is the most significant finding requiring further investigation.