What does hematuria indicate?

Hematuria is a medical term that specifically refers to the presence of blood in the urine. This condition can be a significant indicator of various underlying health issues, ranging from urinary tract infections to more serious conditions such as kidney stones or tumors in the urinary tract. Identifying hematuria is crucial because it often requires further investigation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

The other options relate to different urinary issues but do not describe hematuria. Frequent urination at night, for example, is referred to as nocturia, while the inability to void indicates urinary retention. A scant amount of urine refers to oliguria, which is a separate condition. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing the specific nature of symptoms and their implications for patient care.