What does hematuria indicate in the context of urinary elimination?

• A. Increased white blood cells
• B. Red blood cells in urine, which can indicate infection, stones, trauma, or kidney disease
• C. No urine production
• D. Increased protein in urine

Answer: (B)

Hematuria means blood in the urine—the presence of red blood cells in the urine. This can be visible to the eye (gross hematuria) or only seen under a microscope (microscopic hematuria). Because red blood cells can come from any part of the urinary tract, this finding points to possible problems in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Common causes include infection, stones, trauma, or kidney disease such as glomerulonephritis, and tumors can also cause it. When you detect hematuria, it prompts further evaluation with urinalysis and, if needed, imaging or additional labs.

The other options describe different urinary findings: increased white blood cells suggest infection or inflammation, no urine production is anuria, and increased protein in urine indicates proteinuria. These do not define the presence of red blood cells in the urine.