The extent to which the kidney concentrates the glomerular filtrate can be determined by measuring:
A) Serum creatinine
B) Urine creatinine
C) Serum osmolality
D) Urine and serum osmolality

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice would be to measure urine and serum osmolality because the kidney's ability to concentrate urine depends on the osmolality gradient between the medullary interstitium and the filtrate. Therefore, comparing the osmolality of serum and urine can provide information about the kidney's ability to concentrate the glomerular filtrate. Serum creatinine and urine creatinine measurements are primarily used to assess kidney function, while serum osmolality alone does not provide enough information about the kidney's concentrating ability.

The Extent to Which the Kidney Concentrates the Glomerular Filtrate