How can dehydration be assessed through urinalysis?

Dehydration can be assessed through urinalysis by increased specific gravity and decreased urine volume. When a person is dehydrated, their body conserves water, resulting in concentrated urine. This concentrated urine will have a higher specific gravity, indicating that it contains a greater concentration of solutes, such as electrolytes and waste products. Additionally, the decreased urine volume is a direct consequence of the body's attempt to retain as much water as possible.

In contrast, urine pH can vary due to a variety of factors unrelated to hydration status, including diet and metabolic conditions. While urine color can provide some insight into hydration levels, it is not a definitive measure on its own. Furthermore, identifying a bacterial infection is important for diagnosing urinary tract infections but does not provide information about hydration status. Thus, the specific gravity and urine volume are the most reliable indicators of dehydration in urinalysis.