Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What is the normal color of urine?

1. Dark

2. Pale yellow

3. Rust-colored

4. Pale red

The correct answer is: Pale yellow

The normal color of urine is pale yellow, primarily due to the presence of a pigment called urochrome. This pigment is produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. A pale yellow urine color generally indicates proper hydration levels, while variations can reflect dietary intake, hydration status, or possible health concerns. When urine is darker than pale yellow, it may suggest dehydration or concentrated urine. Conversely, rust-colored urine can indicate the presence of blood or hemoglobin due to various medical conditions, and pale red could also indicate blood or other substances that are not typical in healthy urine. Understanding these color variations is essential for assessing an individual's hydration status and overall health.