A nurse is caring for a young woman with a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI). Which finding should confirm the nurse’s suspicion?

Choice A reason: A urine specific gravity of 1.012 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030), indicating normal kidney concentrating ability. It does not confirm a UTI, as specific gravity is not a direct indicator of infection, making this choice incorrect for confirming the diagnosis. Choice B reason: A urine pH of 9.2 is alkaline, often associated with UTIs caused by bacteria like Proteus, which produce urease, splitting urea into ammonia, raising pH. This finding supports the presence of infection, making it the most confirmatory choice for a suspected UTI. Choice C reason: Three WBCs per low-powered field is within normal limits (typically 10 per high-powered field) due to immune response to infection. This finding does not confirm a UTI, making it incorrect. Choice D reason: Clear urine does not confirm a UTI, as urine appearance varies. UTIs often cause cloudy urine due to bacteria or WBCs, but clarity alone is not diagnostic, making this choice incorrect for confirming the nurse’s suspicion.